DDoS Attack Overview
A DDoS attack is a malicious attempt aimed at disrupting the normal operations of a targeted server, service, or network by overwhelming it with a flood of internet traffic.
Unlike a Denial of Service (DoS) attack, which typically stems from a single source, a DDoS attack employs multiple compromised systems, often infected with malware, to generate traffic. These compromised systems form a botnet.
Case Study: Kaveri 2.0 Portal Attack
In January 2025, Karnataka's Kaveri 2.0 portal, essential for property registrations, faced a severe DDoS attack, causing significant service disruption.
- The attack resulted in a near standstill of property registration services.
- The portal received 6.2 lakh malicious requests within two hours, highlighting the attack's scale.
- Fake accounts and entries further overwhelmed the system, with 62 email accounts traced to 14 IP addresses indicating the attack's distributed nature.
Mitigation Strategies
- Deploy advanced traffic filtering mechanisms to differentiate between legitimate and malicious traffic.
- Utilize monitoring tools to identify unusual traffic patterns and preemptively act.
- Implement rate limiting and bot detection technologies, such as CAPTCHA and behavioral analysis.
- Strengthen security through robust authentication mechanisms and regular security audits.
- Collaborate with cybersecurity agencies for investigation and implementation of mitigation strategies.
Implications of DDoS Attacks
DDoS attacks can cause significant service downtime, leading to revenue loss and reputational damage. They may also serve as distractions for other cyberattacks, such as data breaches.
Notable Incidents
- In August 2024, the X platform, owned by Elon Musk, faced a massive DDoS attack causing delays and disruptions.
- In 2015, GitHub was targeted by a China-based botnet, specifically against projects that circumvent Chinese state censorship.
Conclusion
Organizations, especially governmental ones, need to prioritize cybersecurity and adopt robust mitigation strategies as cyber threats evolve. Understanding DDoS attacks and implementing proactive measures are crucial for safeguarding digital assets and maintaining user trust. ```
