DDoS Attacks: Website Threats You Must Be Aware Of!

In this digital era, websites have become an important part of various aspects of business and organizations. Websites are the main gateway for users to access information and services. However, despite its ease of access, websites are also vulnerable to cyber attacks, one of which is DDoS attacks.

This DDos attack aims to paralyze a website or online service by flooding it with huge fake traffic. Like a digital tsunami, this attack drowns the website with countless requests, so that the website becomes unresponsive, slow, or even paralyzed.

Have you ever experienced a website server going down for no known reason? It could be that your website has been hit by a DDoS attack. This incident is really detrimental, especially since you are holding a lot of transactions from customers on the website.

What is DDoS?

DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks are dangerous cyber attacks. This attack is carried out by continuously flooding the server with fake traffic. This causes the server to be overwhelmed and unable to handle genuine traffic, so that the targeted website or server goes down.

DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks generally target networks, online services, and websites with the aim of paralyzing servers. The method is that hackers flood the server with a large number of fake hosts. Like a sea of ​​rubbish that blocks the flow of water, the server is overwhelmed and cannot serve genuine traffic, so the website or server goes down.

The impact is not only felt by individuals or companies, but can also target the government sector. Therefore, it is important to be aware of these attacks and take preventive steps.

Characteristics of a Website Affected by a DDoS Attack?

DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks are a frightening face for websites. It is difficult to determine if a website has been hit by DDoS without the help of an IT expert, because the symptoms are similar to common problems such as a slow internet connection.

However, there are several characteristics to watch out for:

1. Email spam is flying around

Suddenly your email inbox was flooded with large amounts of spam almost simultaneously? This could be a sign that your website has been hit by DDoS.

2. Slow Internet Connection

Website feels slow when accessed? In fact, it can’t be accessed at all? This could be the result of fake traffic flooding the server.

3. Traffic Surges Unnaturally

Website traffic has increased drastically and the IP addresses that access have different profiles, such as different browsers, devices and locations? This is worth watching out for.

4. Full Bandwidth

Upload and download traffic on your website is suddenly heavy? This could be a sign that your website is being flooded with fake traffic.

Why are DDoS attacks dangerous?

A DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack is not just a website down, but a nightmare for website owners. Impact:

• Financial loss: A down website means lost potential revenue and customers.
• Tarnished reputation: Users who cannot access the website will be disappointed and your business image will be tarnished.
• Disrupting operations: DDoS attacks can cripple internal systems and hinder business operations.

How to Protect a Website from DDoS Attacks?

Fortunately, there are defenses to ward off DDoS:

• Secure Hosting Services: Choose a hosting provider that offers integrated DDoS protection.
• Monitor Website Traffic: In addition to purchasing secure hosting, you need to monitor suspicious activity and unusual traffic spikes with monitoring tools.
• Content Delivery Network (CDN): CDN distributes website content across multiple servers, minimizing the impact of DDoS attacks.
• Web Application Firewall (WAF): WAF is like a gatekeeper that filters malicious traffic and blocks DDoS attacks.
• User Education: Educate users about the dangers of phishing and malware that can open doors for DDoS attacks.

Preventing DDoS Attacks is an Important Investment

Protecting your website from DDoS attacks isn’t just about online security, it’s also about protecting your business. With the right precautions, you can ensure your website stays online, serves customers smoothly, and maintains your business reputation.