What is Distributed Denial of Service DDoS Attack?

DDoS stands for Distributed Denial of Service. It involves many computers attacking a target. In this case, the target is the victim’s computer. First, the attacker controls multiple devices. Then, they send overwhelming traffic to the victim’s system.

As a result, the victim’s server becomes slow or completely inaccessible. This type of attack can disrupt services significantly. Therefore, it is essential to have protection against DDoS attacks.

What is DDoS?

A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack involves multiple computers targeting one victim. In our previous article, we explained Denial of Service (DoS) attacks.

A DoS attack uses just one computer, while a DDoS attack uses many. The computers involved in a DDoS attack are often unaware of their role. Usually, a hacker controls these machines to increase the attack’s power.

Moreover, these computers are often infected with malicious software. If your computer is unsecured, you might unknowingly assist in the attack.

Thus, you could be part of a DDoS attack without even realizing it. It’s vital to secure your computer to prevent this from happening.

How to Do a DDoS Attack?

Attackers can quickly launch remote attacks. They control a community of malware-infected computers. When commanded, these computers initiate attacks on the target.

Malicious software infects devices connected to the Internet. Hackers often insert harmful code into software. Performing a DoS attack is simple.

Many free tools are available online. With basic software, attackers can infect computers and integrate them into their network.

Consequently, multiple computers can be commandeered for an attack. These computers are known as Zombie computers. A group of Zombie computers forms a Botnet.

Using a Botnet makes targeting a computer easy. You don’t need to be a software expert. In fact, many websites offer Botnet services online.

Furthermore, attackers can rent a Botnet for DDoS attacks. This is a specific type of DoS attack. The main difference lies in the use of multiple computers.

Operation Logic

The operating logic varies by the type of DoS attack. This attack features a Botnet network.

This network comprises many zombie computers. In fact, there are thousands of these malicious machines.

Moreover, the attack follows a hierarchical structure. Any computer connected to the Internet can join a Botnet. Often, this is done by distributing a Trojan virus online.

Within the Botnet, there are two main types of computers. Handlers control the zombie computers.

They receive instructions from the attacker. Then, these commands are passed to the zombie computers for execution.

The computers that link the attacker and the zombies are called handlers. Each handler oversees several zombie computers.

Types of DDoS Attacks

1. Application-Layer DDoS Attack

Application layer attacks are a type of attack that exploits Windows, Apache, OpenBSD, or other software vulnerabilities.

2. Protocol DDoS Attack

Protocol-based attacks are a type of DoS. This type of attack usually involves attacks such as the Ping of Death and the SYN Flood.

3. Volume-Based DDoS Attack

Level-based attacks include ICMP Floods, UDP Floods, and other types of Flood attacks.

Sample Programs

Sample programs that you can easily find on the Internet allow;

1. HPing
2. Slowloris
3. R.U.D.Y
4. Hiren Patel

Final Word

In this article, we discussed Internet Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. These attacks can occur through software and websites.

Importantly, remember that these actions are CYBERCRIME. Therefore, we strongly advise against conducting any such attacks.