What defines a DDoS attack?

A DDoS attack, or Distributed Denial of Service attack, is characterized by overwhelming a target, such as a server, service, or network, with a flood of traffic originating from multiple compromised sources. This typically involves a network of computers, often referred to as a botnet, which have been infected with malware and can be controlled remotely by an attacker. The sheer volume of incoming traffic can cause the target to become slow, unavailable, or completely crash, denying legitimate users access to the service.

The concept behind DDoS attacks emphasizes the distributed nature of the attack, where multiple sources collaborate to generate excessive traffic, making it significantly more challenging to defend against than attacks originating from a single source. This distinction is crucial because it illustrates the scalability and impact of such attacks, influencing how organizations must prepare and implement defenses against potential DDoS threats.