What are Denial of Service Attacks, and How Can I Combat Them?

If you run a business, you're likely aware of the growing number of cyberattacks that threaten data security. Business owners are responsible for both safeguarding sensitive data and routinely keeping up with the latest attack methods to stay ahead.

You might have heard of different attack methods such as:

• Credential stuffing, or brute-force attacks
• Endpoint breaches
• Ransomware attacks
• Social engineering such as phishing, vishing, or smishing

One lesser-known hacking method is a Denial of Service (DoS) attack. Here is an overview of how these attacks are designed, what they can do, and how to mitigate them.

What is a DoS Attack, and How Does it Affect Networks?

According to the National Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), a denial of service attack is when network users are locked out of a network due to hackers flooding the server with traffic. This causes a crash or otherwise slows the network to a grinding halt.

The goal of this attack is to cost an organization time and money by halting productivity. Cybercriminals may target specific services such as email, company websites, or online accounts.

What's the Difference Between DDoS and DoS Attacks?

A DDoS attack, standing for Distributed Denial of Service, is a type of DoS attack. As described by CISA, a DDoS assault takes place when numerous infected machines collaborate to target a single entity. This is done through a botnet, or "group of hijacked internet-connected devices to carry out large-scale attacks".

How do Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks Work?

DDoS attacks are especially harmful because they allow for exponentially powerful onslaughts by using many infected devices to send requests. This also makes it hard for victims to find the true source of the traffic. There are a few different types of DDoS attacks: smurf attacks and SYN floods.

Smurf Attacks

This DDoS attack method happens on the network level and exploits IP addresses and fake source IP addresses to overload a server with traffic.

The hacker will spoof the IP address of the target machine, sending out Control Message Protocol broadcast packets (a fancy term for signals or requests) to several other hosts. When the hosts respond, the real machine is flooded with these responses which will overwhelm the machine.

Smurf attacks are named after the malware DDoS.Smurf, which was originally named after the TV show The Smurfs in which characters defeat enemies by working together en masse. DDoS.Smurf is one of many tools that hackers can rent from others to carry out targeted attacks.

This is a common practice on the dark web. Here, hackers can buy and sell stolen data, malware tools, and more in the cybercriminal marketplace. This is called the Business of Cybercrime, and you can read more about it in our blog: Takeaways from Usherwood Webinar: "The Business of Cybercrime"

SYN Floods

In simple terms, a SYN Flood is when a hacker sends a request with an incomplete connection to a network port. To learn about open ports and why they're dangerous, read our blog: Open Ports: Does Your Business Have This Risky Backdoor for Hackers?

When there is an incomplete connection between the host/client and server, the connected port will show an "occupied" status. This makes it unusable for other connection requests. A hacker will do this to all open ports, making it impossible for legitimate users to connect to the server.

How do I Approach DoS Protection/Security Measures?

One key aspect of Denial of Service attack prevention is investing in traffic flow monitoring to detect DoS attacks. Network monitoring is crucial so you can avoid DoS attacks by identifying any possible abnormalities. Other defensive measures against denial of service attacks include:

• Firewalls to restrict traffic and mitigate cyber risks
• Using antivirus and Endpoint Detection & Response technology
• Regularly maintain and revisit your cybersecurity tools
• Have an incident response and disaster recovery plan in place

If these denial-of-service attack tools seem confusing or you don't know where to start, remember there are many businesses in your position. Many businesses opt to hire outsourced IT companies to assist in implementing these measures to save time and ensure it's done right the first time.

How to Create an Incident Response Plan in Case of a DoS Attack

If you're looking for a foolproof DoS prevention, just know there's no 100% guaranteed DoS attack prevention technique. This is because hacking methods evolve over time, with brand-new attack methods (also called zero-day attacks) emerging every day. However, you shouldn't wait until you experience a DoS attack to think about your response plan.

It's always best to practice proactive cybersecurity, or taking steps before an attack to prepare your team and cybersecurity posture. When creating your incident response plan, make sure you include your key players, such as:

• Cyber insurance providers
• Your PR & legal support teams
• Key executives and IT leaders
• Digital forensics specialists

When creating your plan, consider conducting tabletop exercises with your team. Learn how to do this in our guide: How to Conduct Incident Response Tabletop Exercises

Cyber attacks can lead to confusion, panic, and split-second decision-making that could cost you thousands or even millions in some cases. The cost of cyber attacks is rising, but there are many steps you can take today to bolster your cybersecurity posture.

Cybersecurity Steps You Can Take Now To Mitigate Risk

Thankfully, you're not alone in shouldering the enormous burden of cybersecurity preparedness. There are many resources you can call upon today to prepare your staff and bolster your network to defend against attackers.

Some key steps in designing and maintaining a solid cybersecurity strategy include:

• Implementing multifactor authentication (MFA)
• Mandating strong passwords and frequent resets
• Training staff on safe online practices, phishing, and other social engineering threats
• Routinely patching software
• Replacing equipment before end-of-life

When you're looking to enhance the cybersecurity tools and practices of your business, outsourced IT companies are a great place to start.

It's hard, if not impossible, for business owners to become as knowledgeable and skilled as experienced cybersecurity experts. For this reason, you may struggle to keep up with cybercrime if you try to take on cybersecurity all on your own.

If you're ready to explore the possibilities of optimizing and securing your network, click the button below to speak with a cybersecurity specialist about your business.