DDoS Attack
Distributed Denial of Service ”” an attack that overwhelms a server with traffic to make it unavailable.
Also: Distributed Denial of Service
Definition
A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack is a malicious attempt to disrupt the normal traffic of a targeted server, service, or network by overwhelming it with a flood of internet traffic from multiple sources ”” often a botnet of compromised devices. Unlike a simple DoS attack from one source, DDoS attacks are difficult to block because traffic comes from thousands or millions of IP addresses simultaneously. Attack types include volumetric attacks, protocol attacks, and application-layer attacks.
Example
“Hackers used a botnet of 500,000 infected devices to flood an online gaming platform with 1 Tbps of traffic, taking it offline for 12 hours.”
Usage Examples
- 1
“The team applied ddos attack best practices to improve their cybersecurity outcomes significantly.”
- 2
“Understanding ddos attack is essential for anyone building a career in IT & Technology.”
When & How to Use
Use 'DDoS Attack' when working in Cybersecurity contexts where a distributed denial of service (ddos) attack is a malicious attempt to disrupt the normal traffic of a targeted server, service, or network by overwhelming it with a flood of internet traffic from multiple sources ”” often a botnet of compromised devices.
- ▸Applying ddos attack principles during a cybersecurity project or initiative
- ▸Explaining ddos attack to a junior team member or stakeholder unfamiliar with IT & Technology
- ▸Evaluating options or proposals using ddos attack as a decision-making criterion
Etymology & Origin
The term 'DDoS Attack' derives from professional usage and entered IT & Technology professional usage as the field formalised in the 20th century.
History & Evolution
The concept of ddos attack has evolved alongside IT & Technology. Early practitioners relied on informal methods; structured approaches emerged with the professionalisation of cybersecurity in the mid-20th century. Today, ddos attack is a standard part of IT & Technology practice globally.
Synonyms
- denial of service attack
- traffic flood attack
- volumetric attack
Antonyms / Opposites
- DDoS protection
- traffic scrubbing
Images
CC-licensed · free to useVideo
Related Terms
- botnet
- denial-of-service
- cdn
- ddos-protection