Welcome back to the Kosciusko Connect blog series on internet-based scams and cyberattacks. In our previous articles, we covered a range of threats, from phishing to ransomware. Today, we will look at another menacing cyber threat: Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks. These attacks can disrupt your online world and cause havoc, making it crucial to understand what they are, how they work, and how to protect yourself.
What Are Denial-of-Service Attacks?
Denial-of-Service attacks, often abbreviated as DoS attacks, are cyberattacks designed to make online services, websites, or networks unavailable by overwhelming them with a flood of malicious traffic. The primary goal of a DoS attack is to disrupt the normal functioning of a targeted system, rendering it inaccessible to its intended users. In essence, it's like jamming a busy road with an endless stream of vehicles, making it impossible for anyone to get through.
Examples of Denial-of-Service Attacks
Ping Flood: In this type of attack, the attacker sends an overwhelming number of ping requests to a target server, causing it to become slow or unresponsive.
HTTP Flood: Attackers bombard a web server with an excessive number of HTTP requests, often resulting in a website becoming unreachable.
SYN Flood: This attack exploits the three-way handshake process in TCP/IP communication. The attacker floods the target with SYN (synchronization) requests, causing it to run out of resources and crash.
DNS Amplification: Attackers use poorly configured DNS servers to amplify the volume of traffic directed at a target. This can lead to network congestion and service disruption.
Statistics on DoS Attacks in the United States
The threat of Denial-of-Service attacks is real and continues to grow. According to recent cybersecurity reports:
In the United States, there was a 150% increase in reported DoS attacks in the past year.
Small and medium-sized businesses are increasingly becoming targets, with 60% of DoS attacks aimed at this sector.
The average cost of mitigating a DoS attack in the U.S. is estimated to be around $120,000, including downtime and security measures.
Recognizing and Avoiding Denial-of-Service Attacks
Now that we understand the gravity of DoS attacks, let's explore how you can recognize and protect yourself from them:
Stay Informed: Keep up to date with the latest cybersecurity news and trends. Awareness is your first line of defense.
Implement Network Security Measures: Invest in robust firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and anti-virus software to safeguard your network. If you’re a Kosciusko Connect fiber internet customer, you have the option of adding Guardian Protection to your plan. Guardian provides advanced controls to protect your home network from vicious cybercriminals. Get protection and peace of mind today and call 574-269-0327 to add Guardian Protection to your service plan.
Content Delivery Networks (CDNs): Business owners and website managers should consider using CDNs to distribute traffic across multiple servers, which can help absorb the impact of an attack.
Incident Response Plan: Develop an incident response plan to quickly mitigate the effects of a DoS attack should one occur.
Traffic Monitoring: Continuously monitor your network traffic for unusual spikes that could indicate an attack in progress.
Seek Professional Help: If you suspect a DoS attack, contact your internet service provider or a cybersecurity expert to help mitigate the attack.
Denial-of-Service attacks are a serious threat in today's digital landscape. By understanding what they are, recognizing their signs, and taking proactive steps to protect your online presence, you can defend against this disruptive menace. Stay vigilant, stay safe, and stay connected with Kosciusko Connect for more insights into internet security.
Don’t miss these other blogs in our Don’t Get Scammed! series:
Don’t Get Scammed! Let’s Talk About Phishing
Don’t Get Scammed! Let’s Talk About Malware
Don’t Get Scammed! Let’s Talk About Man-in-the-Middle Attacks
Don't Get Scammed! Let's Talk About Ransomware Attacks