What is a DDoS attack? Everything you need to know

A DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack is a type of cyber attack that involves overloading a system or network by sending a large number of queries from many sources at the same time. This attack aims to prevent access to a service or website.

Unlike a DoS attack where the attacker uses a single source, a DDoS attack uses multiple sources, which makes it more effective. The attacker often uses a botnet, i.e. an infected network of computers whose owner is unaware of it

his computer was infected.

A DDoS attack can have various goals, such as blackmailing the website or company owner, destroying a brand's reputation, or simply causing problems for users. Depending on the scale of the attack, it can cause significant financial losses and even force a company to cease operations.

To protect against DDoS attacks, there are various methods, such as using firewalls, increasing network bandwidth, or using the services of companies specializing in protection against DDoS attacks.

DDoS attacks can be divided into three main types: volume attacks, state attacks and application attacks. Each of these types of attacks has its own characteristic features and methods of operation.

Volume Attacks

Volume attacks, also called flood attacks, involve flooding the attacked server with a huge number of queries, which causes it to overload and prevents normal functioning. These attacks are most often performed using botnets, i.e. networks of infected computers that are remotely controlled by the attacker.

State Attacks

Stateful attacks, also known as connection flood attacks, fill a server's connection pool so that new connections cannot be established. These attacks are effective against servers that have a limited connection pool, such as DNS servers.

Application Attacks

Application attacks, also called application flood attacks, involve sending queries to the attacked server that require large computational resources. These attacks are effective against applications that require high computing power, such as databases

data or web servers.

It is worth noting that DDoS attacks can be carried out using many techniques, and their effectiveness depends on many factors, such as the number of attackers, their skills and

tools used. Therefore, protection against DDoS attacks requires the use of appropriate technical solutions and awareness on the part of users.

Use of Botnets

One of the most common methods of conducting DDoS attacks is the use of botnets. A botnet is a group of devices that have been infected with malware, which allows cybercriminals to remotely control these devices. Botnets can consist of hundreds or even thousands of devices, which makes them extremely effective in conducting DDoS attacks.

In the case of a DDoS attack using a botnet, cybercriminals send large numbers of queries to the server, which leads to its overload and prevents normal functioning. This attack is difficult to detect and locate because queries come from many different sources.

Amplification

Another method of conducting DDoS attacks is amplification. In this method, cybercriminals use protocols that allow the transfer of large amounts of data. Then, using fake IP addresses, they send this data to the attack victim's server. The server, thinking it is receiving a valid request, responds with a large amount of data to the false IP address, which leads to server overload.

Protocol Exploits

The third method of conducting DDoS attacks is the use of protocol exploits. Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in network protocols to launch attacks. For example, by attacking the DNS protocol, cybercriminals can send false queries to the DNS server, which leads to server overload.

A DDoS attack can lead to serious consequences for your website or application. Below you will find some effects that such an attack can cause:

1. Difficulties in accessing your website

A DDoS attack can temporarily or permanently disable access to your website. If your website is an important source of information or communication channel with your customers, such obstructions can lead to serious problems.

2. Problems with maintaining operations

If your website is down, you won't be able to use the necessary tools to run your online business. This may lead to delays in order fulfillment, customer service problems and other serious consequences.

3. Reputation problems

DDoS can damage your company's reputation. If your website is inaccessible to customers, it may negatively impact their perception of your brand. Moreover, a DDoS attack may result in data leakage or violation of your customers' privacy, which may also lead to loss of trust.

DDoS attacks are becoming more and more common, and their consequences can be very serious for the companies that are attacked by them. That's why it's so important to know how to detect and defend against them.

Hardware Solutions

One of the hardware solutions that help detect and defend against DDoS attacks is a firewall. A firewall is a tool that filters network traffic and blocks DDoS attacks. The firewall can be configured to block traffic from specific IP addresses or ports.

Another hardware solution is the so-called "appliance" - a device that acts as a network traffic filter. The Appliance can be configured to also block traffic from specific IP addresses or from specific ports.

Software Solutions

Software solutions that help detect and defend against DDoS attacks include antivirus and antispam programs. These programs can help block network traffic from infected computers, which are often used by hackers to conduct DDoS attacks.

Another software solution is the so-called "intrusion detection system" (IDS) - an intrusion detection system. IDS can help detect DDoS attacks that are performed by botnets or malware.

Traffic Filtering Techniques

Traffic filtering techniques are another solution that helps detect and defend against DDoS attacks. There are various traffic filtering techniques, such as filtering based on IP addresses, ports, protocols, content, and many others.

It is important to use different traffic filtering techniques because attackers may change their attack methods to avoid being blocked by defense systems.

Before you read the text below, please keep in mind that I am not a legal professional and this is not legal advice. Each situation is individual and if you need a thorough analysis, you should consult a specialist.

DDoS attacks are illegal and punishable. In Poland, in accordance with Article 267a of the Penal Code, a DDoS attack is treated as a crime and may result in imprisonment from 3 months to 5 years.

Moreover, victims of DDoS attacks can pursue their rights in civil proceedings and demand compensation for their losses. To this end, it is important to have appropriate security measures and protection systems against DDoS attacks to minimize the risk of damage.

If you suspect that your company has been the victim of a DDoS attack, you should immediately notify the appropriate services, such as the Police or CERT Polska. This way, appropriate steps can be taken to identify the perpetrator and take legal action.

It is also important to remember that DDoS attacks can be launched from different countries, making it difficult to identify perpetrators and take legal action. Therefore, it is worth having protection systems against DDoS attacks that will help minimize the risk of damage minimize the negative effects of the attack.

1. Use anti-DDoS services

Anti-DDoS services are special tools that help protect against DDoS attacks. ISPs offer various solutions that can help protect your business against DDoS attacks. These services can be expensive, but they are worth the investment because they can prevent serious financial losses.

2. Install a firewall

A firewall is software or hardware that controls network traffic and blocks unauthorized access to your network. A firewall can help protect your business from DDoS attacks because it can block network traffic from suspicious sources.

3. Update your software regularly

A DDoS attack can exploit software vulnerabilities to attack your business. Therefore, it is important to regularly update software such as the operating system, web browsers and applications to minimize the risk of a DDoS attack.

4. Install antivirus and antimalware software

Antivirus and antimalware software can help protect your business from DDoS attacks because it can block malicious software that could be used to launch a DDoS attack. Make sure your software is always up to date to ensure maximum protection.