What is a DDoS attack?

A Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack is specifically a type of cyber-attack where multiple systems are compromised and then utilized to flood a target server, service, or network with an overwhelming amount of traffic. The main goal of this attack is to make the targeted resource unavailable to its intended users by overwhelming it with requests, thus disrupting normal operation. DDoS attacks typically leverage a network of infected devices, often referred to as a botnet, to generate the massive volume of traffic needed to achieve this disruption.

Understanding this concept is crucial for recognizing the threat posed by DDoS attacks and encourages individuals and organizations to implement appropriate security measures to protect against such vulnerabilities. Identifying DDoS attacks distinguishes them from other types of attacks, such as simple denial-of-service attacks that may come from a single source or harmless simulations that are conducted for testing purposes, which do not aim to cause disruption or harm.