Denial of Service attacks (DoS) occurs when a targeted host or network is incapable of responding to legitimate users as a result of being flooded by traffic from the attacker. Businesses worldwide have reported an increased number of these kinds of attacks. Because these attacks result in inaccessibility of an organization’s resources and service, they can be costly.
Denial of Service Methods
Syn Flood
Syn Flood is a type of Denial of Service. It utilizes the TCP protocol, which is one of the main protocols of the Internet.
After initiating a synchronize message to a server, the attacker will fail to to respond or respond with a spoofed IP address. This will cause the server to wait for acknowledgement. As a result network congestion occurs.
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS)
A distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack uses multiple machines operating together to attack one target. This is often accomplished using a group of hijacked internet-connected devices known as botnets. The botnets are commanded to conduct the attack on the target victim. This type of attack also victimizes the botnets involved.
Application Layer Attacks
In an application layer attack the attacker targets specific functions or features on a website and seeks to over exercise them to deplete the sites operating resources. This can lead to disrupted transactions or lack of database access. This is often accomplished by hackers using pre-built applications.
Actions To Take if Your Organization Is Being Attacked
If you notice unusually slow performance when opening files or accessing the internet you may be under attack. It is advisable to contact your system administrator so that they can detect and identify a potential attack. Once an attack has been identified firewalls can be configured to mitigate the attack. Traffic can also be rerouted through a DoS protection service.
In cases of DoS attacks it is very important to remain vigilant about data security. Often an attacker will instigate a DoS attack on a targeted network to create a diversion when their real goal is data theft.
The Importance of Being Prepared
Organizations have been slow to respond to cyber threats. As a result billions of dollars a year are being lost. While no system can be made completely invulnerable actions can be taken to mitigate loss. This can be accomplished by creating an Information Security Management System (ISMS).
An ISMS can allow your business to identify vulnerabilities, access risks, create mitigation processes, and develop response procedures. ISMSs are powerful because they involve all stakeholders and stress training.
CVG Strategy can help you develop an ISMS that is compliant to ISO 27001 or NIST 800-171. We also help those who supply defense products and services prepare for CMMC Certification.