How a DDoS Attack Unfolds

Denial-of-Service attacks are becoming an increasingly popular tool for hackers to target websites and servers. But how does a DDoS attack work?

For businesses, having servers or cloud services that are always available is crucial for implementing business models and processes. These availability requirements typically necessitate an internet connection. Consequently, servers and services are increasingly vulnerable to DDoS attacks. Botnets possess significant capacity and are rented by interested parties to attack competitors or achieve political goals through these assaults.

What is DDoS?

In Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, the scenario after overloading infrastructure systems is referred to. Attackers usually achieve this overload by targeting a server to render the services provided by the server “inoperable.”

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks leverage the foundation of DoS attacks. However, multiple computers simultaneously target vulnerabilities. Afterwards, it becomes difficult to determine the origin of the attacks.

How Do the Attacks Unfold?

Months before the actual attack, the perpetrator installs a software agent on various computers across the internet without the user noticing. This installation quickly creates a botnet. An operator of the attack monitors this network.

When the DDoS attack begins, it starts on one of the infected computers where an agent has been installed. Together with the infected computers, the attackers have a substantial attack volume. The goal of these attacks is to disable firewalls, applications, or web services for all users.

Key Facts

Cloud Security Incidents: 45 percent of data breaches affect cloud environments.

Misconfigurations: 80 percent of cloud security incidents are due to misconfigurations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between data protection and data security?

Data protection governs the lawful handling of personal data (legal basis, purpose limitation, rights of data subjects). Data security encompasses the technical and organizational measures to protect all data from loss, manipulation, or unauthorized access.

Does every company need a data protection officer?

In Germany, a data protection officer is mandatory if at least 20 individuals are regularly involved in the automated processing of personal data, or if special categories of data (e.g., health data) are processed.

What rights do individuals have under the GDPR?

The right to information, the right to rectification, erasure, restriction of processing, data portability, and the right to object. Companies must respond to requests within one month.

TL;DR

For businesses, having servers or cloud services that are always available is crucial for implementing business models and processes.
Denial-of-Service attacks are becoming an increasingly popular tool for hackers to target websites and servers.
Botnets possess significant capacity and are rented by interested parties to attack competitors or achieve political goals through these assaults.
In Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, the scenario after overloading infrastructure systems is referred to.

Print article