Definition
A distributed denial of service or DDoS attack is a malicious attempt to disrupt the normal traffic of a targeted server, service, or network by overwhelming it with a flood of internet traffic. Attackers achieve this by using multiple compromised computer systems, often referred to as a botnet, to launch the coordinated assault. This type of attack can cripple an organization's online presence, leading to significant financial losses and reputational damage. For instance, a DDoS attack might target an e-commerce website during a major sale, preventing customers from making purchases. It is important to distinguish DDoS attacks from single-source denial of service attacks, which originate from a single machine. Understanding DDoS is crucial for IT professionals and is frequently tested on certifications like CompTIA Security+, CySA+, and CISSP.