Definition:
A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack is an attempt to make an online service or network unavailable by overwhelming it with a flood of internet traffic from multiple sources, often using a botnet.
Use Cases:
- Used by attackers to disrupt websites, servers, or networks, rendering them inaccessible to legitimate users.
- Employed in coordinated attacks against high-profile targets like banks or government websites.
Related Terms:
Questions and Answers:
- What is the difference between DoS and DDoS attacks?
A DoS attack comes from a single source, while a DDoS attack originates from multiple compromised devices, making it harder to mitigate.
- How do DDoS attacks impact organizations?
DDoS attacks can cause service outages, loss of revenue, and reputational damage by overwhelming the targeted infrastructure.
- How can DDoS attacks be mitigated?
DDoS attacks can be mitigated through traffic filtering, rate limiting, and using cloud-based DDoS protection services.