DoS Attacks; Overwhelming Your Systems

During this attack, a user might not immediately notice anything unusual, but over time, they may observe minor issues that seem insignificant. For instance, your website might load more slowly than normal, or your online tool might fail to save your progress. These issues might have logical explanations, such as needing a computer update or experiencing Wi-Fi disruptions. 

 

You might not realize there's an issue until your whole system locks up and becomes inaccessible. Although the indicators can be hard to spot, seeking a second opinion if you suspect you're facing a potential cyber attack is always a good idea. Some symptoms users may observe include:

 

• Slow Network Performance
• Inability to Access Websites or Online Resources
• Interruption or Loss of Network Connectivity
• Delays in Files Opening

 

Some might see the title above and wonder, what impact could an extra D have when distinguishing between these types of attacks? DoS stands for denial of service attack, whereas DDoS refers to a distributed denial of service attack.

 

A DoS attack might involve a single malicious or compromised device or IP address targeting a network. In contrast, DDoS attacks employ numerous devices, referred to as bots, which have been infected with malware. These bots combine to create a botnet, which remains inactive until it is activated to launch an attack. DDoS attacks are usually used when targeting larger businesses or networks.

 

Many people fail to recognize the risks and consequences of a DoS attack until it has already occurred, resulting in financial hardship or the need for brand recovery for businesses whose customers were impacted. When assessing the robustness of your security, the following measures can aid in preventing a DoS or DDoS attack:

• Block unnecessary or possibly malicious IP addresses from being accessed
• Implement active threat monitoring  to receive real-time security updates
• Implement and regularly update firewalls and anti-virus software
• Regularly evaluate your security settings to be sure you are blocking any unwanted traffic
• Have a disaster recovery plan ready and available to mitigate as much down time as possible
• Educate users on the importance of cybersecurity awareness and best practices
  
  

A significant step you can take is to stay informed, recognize potential indicators of a cyberattack and have a reliable person or team to consult if you suspect you might be targeted. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out!