Defending Against DDoS Attack: Strategies to Fortify Your Website’s Resilience

You’re in for a surprise if you haven’t heard of DDoS attacks. Reportedly, the size of DDoS attacks rose by 233.33% in 2024. These attacks last about 45 minutes on average.

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To further complicate things, owing to artificial intelligence, there’s a heightened need to tighten your website’s security now more than ever.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the basics of DDoS attacks—from what they are to how to prevent them from ruining your site and brand reputation.

What is a DoS attack?

First, let’s understand what a DoS attack means. A denial-of-service (DoS) attack occurs when someone tries to overload your site’s server with too much traffic. The end goal is to slow it down or make it stop working altogether.

As users are unable to access your site during the attack, it can result in:

• Disrupted business
• Costly repairs
• Longer downtime

Typically, DoS attacks exploit your system’s limited resources (think bandwidth, flaws within your network protocols, or processing power). Attackers might send bad data, exploit software flaws, or use groups of infected devices (botnets) to strengthen the attack.

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Remember that when botnets are involved, the attack becomes a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS), making it much harder to stop. These large-scale attacks involve multiple compromised systems and can target banks, online stores, government agencies, and other major targets.

What is a DoS Attack? Types

There are different types of DoS attacks, depending on how they happen.

Why Do DDoS Attacks Happen?

DDoS attacks can come from various sources, each with different motives. Here’s a look at some common reasons why these attacks occur:

• Activism and protest: Hacktivists use attacks to highlight their causes and target governments, businesses, public figures, etc.
• Ransom demands: Some attackers seek money by threatening to keep their DDoS attacks active until they receive payment.
• Belief-driven attacks: Individuals may target unethical organizations based on their personal beliefs.
• State-sponsored attacks: Nations use DDoS attacks as a political or military tool to disrupt critical systems in other countries.
• Competitive tactics: Businesses may use DDoS attacks to damage competitors and gain a market edge.
• Retaliation: Attacks can be motivated by personal grievances or a desire for revenge against perceived wrongs.

Common Challenges in Defending Against DDoS Attacks

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DDoS attacks are ever-evolving because they’re becoming more tactical and escalating in scale. This is due to their distributed nature, which involves assaulting many hijacked devices simultaneously.

In other words, DDoS attacks have multiple vantage points. This wide-scale coordination provides several benefits for attackers:

• Escalating intensity: They can amplify the intensity of the attack by leveraging multiple compromised devices.
• Dispersed sources: These devices’ dispersed origin makes it hard to trace the attack, as they are spread across the globe and often appear to be legitimate users.
• Challenging Neutralization: It’s far more difficult to neutralize numerous attacking points than one.
• Identification is difficult: The real perpetrator remains concealed behind compromised system layers.
• Tricky Combat: Stopping one device doesn’t halt the attack.

How DDoS Attacks Work and the DDoS Strategy Behind Them

DDoS attacks can cause major disruptions, but understanding the tools and techniques behind them can help in defending against DDoS attacks. You can fend off even the most persistent attacks with the right website security measures—like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, rate limiting, and anti-DDoS services.

How Cybercriminals Exploit Botnets and Malware

Cybercriminals often use botnets, which are networks of hijacked devices, to launch large-scale DDoS attacks. These infected devices, unknowingly controlled by the attacker, send massive amounts of traffic to the target.

Malware usually gets onto these devices through phishing, bad downloads, or unpatched software. Once compromised, they become part of the botnet, adding to the attack power. For instance, the Mirai botnet is infamous for bringing down major websites by overwhelming them with traffic.

Amplification To Increase Attack Impact

Attackers use amplification techniques to make their attacks even more powerful. By taking advantage of certain protocols, like DNS or NTP, they can turn a small request into a much larger response that floods the target.

This tactic, known as reflection, greatly increases the attack’s impact. For example, a tiny 1-byte request can lead to a 100-byte response, multiplying the attack’s strength. When attackers combine these methods, defending against the surge of harmful traffic becomes even tougher.

Tools and Scripts Hackers for DDoS Attacks

Hackers have various tools at their disposal to execute DoS attacks. Tools like LOIC (Low Orbit Ion Cannon) and HOIC (High Orbit Ion Cannon) are popular because they easily flood targets with requests, even for beginners.

Conversely, more skilled attackers might use custom scripts written in Python or Perl to exploit specific system weaknesses. These scripts automate the attack process and can slip past basic defenses. Tools like Metasploit can also include modules for DoS attacks, making them part of a larger DDoS strategy.

How to Detect and Identify DDoS Attacks?

Your security team must always be alert to detect a DDoS quickly. They should be on the lookout for attacks that drain network resources and take advantage of cloud services.

Indicators of a Possible DoS Attack

A sudden influx of data traffic is an indicator of a DoS attack. Other signs to look out for include:

• Strange patterns (read: repeated access attempts from a single source, higher occurrence of incomplete connections, etc.)
• Site services suddenly become unavailable
• Deteriorating system performance, such as slower processing times, inability to access network resources, and frequent outages
• Sudden surge in network traffic and bottlenecks within your network
• Unpredictable site behavior
• Spike in spam emails

How to Create a DDoS Strategy? 6 Tips & Best Practices

In 2016, a colossal DDoS attack disrupted major enterprises such as Twitter, Netflix, and CNN. The Mirai botnet caused the disruption, which exploited thousands of compromised Internet of Things (IoT) gadgets, such as cameras and DVRs. This surge of malicious traffic targeted Dyn, a critical part of the internet’s domain name system (DNS) infrastructure.

So, what does it take to create a foolproof DDoS strategy? Here are some tips you can make your own:

1. Train Your Team on Cybersecurity Basics

Training your team is a game-changer in the fight against DDoS attacks. Teach your employees about the risks of cyber threats, such as phishing emails and dodgy links that could turn their devices into unwitting parts of a botnet.

Question to Ask:

• Does your team know how to spot phishing emails and suspicious links that could compromise your network security?
• Are employees aware of the importance of creating strong, unique passwords and regularly updating them?
• Do your team members understand how to enable and use multi-factor authentication to enhance account security?

Best Practices to Follow for This DDos Stragey:

• Schedule frequent cybersecurity training to update employees on the latest threats and best practices. For example, quarterly workshops and webinars should focus on recent phishing scams and how to avoid them.
• Incorporate real-world examples and simulations in your training. For instance, conduct mock phishing attacks to show employees how to recognize and respond to suspicious emails.
•  Encourage a culture where security is a shared responsibility. Reward employees for reporting potential threats and integrating security practices into daily routines.
• Regularly test employees’ knowledge with quizzes and practical exercises to ensure they effectively understand and apply cybersecurity practices.

2. Monitor Network Traffic Continuously

Continuous monitoring of network traffic helps detect DDoS attacks early by identifying unusual spikes and patterns.

Questions to Ask:

• What specific tools are you using for real-time traffic monitoring, and how do they detect even subtle anomalies, such as sudden spikes in traffic from unusual sources?
• Is your monitoring system capable of scaling to analyze high traffic volumes during an attack, such as handling traffic surges of over 10 Gbps?
• How often do you update your traffic monitoring settings to ensure they are aligned with current traffic patterns and threat landscapes?

Best Practices to Follow for this DDos Strategy:

• Analyzing historical data to establish what normal traffic looks like for your network. For example, you can easily identify typical traffic peaks and average volumes to spot unusual deviations.
• Set up continuous traffic monitoring to detect attacks outside regular business hours. This might involve using automated systems to alert your team to potential threats at any time.
• Periodically review traffic data to understand natural fluctuations and adjust your monitoring thresholds. For example, alert levels can be adjusted based on recent traffic trends or after significant network changes.
• To ensure a quick response, configure automated alerts for significant traffic spikes or unusual patterns. For instance, set up alerts for sudden increases in traffic from a single IP or geographic location.
• Employ advanced analytics tools to gain deeper insights into traffic patterns and refine your monitoring based on detailed trends. For example, machine learning algorithms can detect anomalies and predict potential attack vectors.

3. Regularly Assess Your Network Risks

Regular risk assessments help identify vulnerabilities and strengthen defenses against potential DDoS attacks.

Questions to Ask:

• When was the last time you conducted a thorough risk assessment on your network, and what were the key findings?
• Have you addressed the vulnerabilities identified in your previous assessments, such as patching outdated software or strengthening firewall rules?
• Are you incorporating the latest threat intelligence into your assessments to address emerging risks, like new types of DDoS attacks?

Best Practices to Follow for this DDos Strategy:

• Conduct risk assessments regularly, quarterly or annually, and after incidents. For instance, review your network security after implementing new software or hardware to identify vulnerabilities.
• Work with cybersecurity professionals to get a comprehensive view of potential risks. For example, engage with a third-party security firm to perform an in-depth vulnerability assessment and provide expert recommendations.

4. Create a DDoS Response Plan

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A mindfully created DDoS response plan outlines steps for detecting, mitigating, and recovering from attacks. It also includes key roles involved and communication protocols.

Questions to Ask:

• Does your DDoS response plan define specific roles during an attack, such as who handles technical mitigation and who is in charge of communication?
• Have you conducted role-specific training for all team members, such as IT staff, communication officers, and executives, to ensure they understand their responsibilities during an attack?
• How frequently do you perform simulation exercises or tabletop drills to test and update your response plan’s effectiveness in handling real attack scenarios?

Best Practices to Follow for this DDos Strategy:

• Schedule frequent drills that mimic various DDoS attacks involving all relevant team members to ensure everyone knows their role and can act swiftly. For example, simulate a scenario where your website is hit with many attacks to test response times and communication protocols.
• Ensure your DDoS response plan is part of a larger disaster recovery and business continuity strategy. This means linking your response procedures with your overall emergency management and recovery plans to ensure seamless coordination during an attack.
• Set up clear, detailed communication protocols for both internal teams and external stakeholders. For instance, have a plan for notifying customers about service disruptions and an internal process for keeping the team updated throughout the attack.
• Document each team member’s responsibilities and review these roles regularly to keep them updated with team structure and procedure changes.
• After each drill or real-life incident, review the effectiveness of your response plan.

5. Partner with DDoS Protection Experts

Partnering with DDoS protection specialists provides access to advanced solutions and expertise to handle attacks effectively.

Questions to Ask:

• Does your DDoS protection provider offer DDoS-related solutions such as real-time traffic scrubbing, automated attack mitigation, etc.? How do these match your company’s security needs?
• Are you fully aware of the details of your service level agreement (SLA)? For example, you must investigate the guaranteed response times and what’s included in attack protection.
• How does the provider manage massive attacks, especially those exceeding 1 Tbps? What is their average response time during peak attack periods?

Best Practices to Follow for this DDos Strategy:

• Select a provider with a track record of effective DDoS mitigation. You must investigate how the provider deals with high-volume attacks by asking for case studies and looking at testimonials from companies with similar traffic levels. For example, how did they manage a recent large attack on a comparable website?
• Regularly review how well the provider handles real attacks by analyzing their performance during any incidents you experience. For instance, check if they quickly deployed countermeasures during a recent test attack.
• Ensure you know all the details of your SLA, such as how quickly the provider must respond to different types of attacks and what support is available during off-hours.

6. Review and Improve Post-Attack

Review the incident after a DDoS attack to learn from it, improve your response, and strengthen your defenses.

Questions to Ask:

• Which specific services (your customer support, payment processing, etc.) experienced the most disruptions during the attack?
• Was there a delay in your response time, and did your team miss critical steps, such as notifying users or activating backup systems?
• Did the attack reveal weaknesses in your security measures, such as outdated firewall rules or insufficient rate limits?

Best Practices to Follow for this DDos Strategy:

• Analyze the attack’s impact, response effectiveness, and gaps in your defenses.
• Develop a clear communication plan if your stakeholders are left in the dark. For instance, ensure you have a protocol to send timely customer updates via email or social media during an attack.
• Based on what you learned, adjust your security strategies. If your firewall rules were bypassed, update them with stricter or better configurations.
• Incorporate new procedures based on the attack. If you discover your team was slow to react, introduce a quicker escalation process or more frequent drills.
• Share what was learned from the attack with your team. For instance, hold a workshop on handling similar threats and review any new tools or procedures adopted.

Secure Your Site and Protect Your Customers with Crazy Domain

Here’s the long and short of it: Securing your site starts with the basics in the fight against DDoS attacks. Crazy Domains offers top-tier SSL certifications that protect your site and your customer’s trust.

Here’s how: SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certifications encrypt the data transferred between your site and your visitors. This means that your customer’s sensitive information always remains private and secure. This helps protect against potential threats and builds goodwill with your customers by demonstrating how your brand strives to keep the customer’s data safe.

Don’t leave your site vulnerable and open to cyber exploitation. Invest in Crazy Domains’ SSL certifications to strengthen your defenses and give your visitors unparalleled peace of mind. Reach out to us today to learn how our SSL solutions can help secure your site and keep it running smoothly.

Contact us today for your SSL certification!

FAQs

1. What is a DDoS attack?

A DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack involves flooding a site with excessive traffic from multiple sources. This makes the site slow or unreachable for normal users.

2. How do DDoS attacks work?

Attackers use a network of infected devices, a botnet, to send massive amounts of traffic to the target. This overwhelms the server and, by extension, disrupts its normal operation.

3. Why do people launch DDoS attacks?

The most common reason for launching DDoS attacks is to disrupt a competitor’s business. Some attackers also use DDoS attacks as a diversion while attempting other forms of cybercrime.

4. Can a DDoS attack affect me personally?

If you try to access a site that is under attack, you may experience slow performance or be unable to access it. However, your devices are not the direct target.

5. How can businesses protect against DDoS attacks?

Organizations can protect their networks using tools such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and anti-DDoS services. Regular traffic monitoring and an emergency response plan also play important roles.

6. What should I do if I suspect a DDoS attack on my site?

Contact your hosting provider or IT support immediately. They can help identify the attack and implement measures to minimize its effects.

7. Are DDoS attacks illegal?

Yes, DDoS attacks are illegal in numerous countries. Perpetrators can face serious legal consequences, such as fines and even imprisonment.

8. Can a DDoS attack be stopped once it starts?

While stopping an ongoing attack is challenging, mitigating actions such as filtering traffic and redirecting it can help lessen the impact. In the end, acting promptly is important.

9. How long does a DDoS attack usually last?

The duration varies. Some attacks last only a few minutes, while others can continue for hours or even days, depending on the attacker’s goals and resources.

10. Can DDoS attacks be prevented?

Complete prevention is difficult. You can reduce risk by using robust security measures and staying informed about emerging threats. Moreover, regularly updating and testing your defenses also helps abundantly.