What is a DDoS attack?
The Distributed Denial of Service attack, more commonly known as a DDoS attack, is a serious cyber threat that cyber criminals often initiate to their victims. Through this cyber-attack, they overwhelm the server, system, or network of the victim. The DDoS attack involves numerous devices, also known as a botnet, that send massive amounts of fraudulent traffic to the target. Eventually, the victim gets flooded and unable to operate.
It is called “distributed” exactly because there are numerous different sources of the attack pointing to the victim. At some point, the limit of resources is reached, and the target is down. The denial of service is completed, and regular users are not capable of reaching and connecting with it.
There are different types of DDoS attacks, and they could be initiated in different ways, yet the goal is always the same – to hit and bring down the target. Generally speaking, each DDoS attack is generated by infecting as many devices connected to a network as possible. Additionally, it could be started from any point in the world and direct massive traffic towards the target to flood it. The sources are compromised and typically are various IoT devices, servers, computers, etc. At first, the target gets sluggish until it drowns completely.
How to prevent a DDoS attack?
DDoS protection
With DDoS protected DNS service, you could strengthen your defense against these malicious attempts called DDoS attacks. It provides a collection of tools that could be very beneficial and ensure the availability of your network, website, or service. In addition, it is far less expensive rather than paying the after-effects of an attack.
Monitor your traffic.
Usually, online businesses maintain particular traffic patterns. It will be best if you are able to acknowledge them. That way, if there is abnormal activity, you will be capable of distinguishing it. Additionally, with a monitoring service, you will recognize when something about your network is just not right. Thanks to the different types of checks that you could perform, you will know the details about your network and traffic. It is going to help you detect the first DDoS signs before it is too late.
Anycast DNS
Anycast DNS is able to spread the traffic through the entire network of DNS servers in case a DDoS attack is initiated. In addition, if one of the servers is down due to the DDoS attack, the rest of the servers are going to be still up and running. That means they will still answer requests to regular users. The configuration of Anycast DNS is based on several servers holding the same IP address. For that reason, the DNS query of a user is going to continue to search and skip servers that are non-responsive until one of them is available and can provide the answer.
Implement load balancing.
It is a beneficial technique that distributes the incoming traffic in a way that prevents overstressing the servers in your network. Providers of quality services offer a great robust network that is perfect for load balancing. That means it is a great opportunity for organizations with big traffic loads. Without a doubt, it is a major advantage when it comes to handling DDoS attacks.