Inside a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attack: Anatomy, Impact, and Defense Strategies

Abstract

A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack is one of the most common and devastating forms of cyberattacks in today's interconnected world. It involves overwhelming a targeted server, service, or network with a flood of internet traffic from multiple compromised systems, rendering the system inoperable. This paper explores the anatomy of a DDoS attack, shedding light on its mechanisms, types, and impact on cybersecurity. It also provides strategies to mitigate these attacks. Data and statistics are presented to showcase the growth of DDoS incidents globally, the common targets, and the cost implications. The paper concludes with recommendations for organizations to enhance their defense mechanisms