DDoS Attacks: A Growing Cybersecurity Threat

 

Context:

Karnataka’s property registration portal, Kaveri 2.0, recently suffered a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack, severely disrupting operations. Such attacks highlight the increasing vulnerabilities of digital infrastructure.

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What is a DDoS Attack?

A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack is a cyber threat where attackers flood a server, network, or website with excessive traffic, causing service disruptions. These attacks use botnets—networks of malware-infected devices—to generate overwhelming requests, leading to system failure.

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How Does a DDoS Attack Work?

1. Botnet Formation: Hackers infect multiple devices with malware, making them bots.
2. Traffic Overload: These bots send massive fake requests to the target, consuming bandwidth and processing power.
3. Service Disruption: The network slows down or crashes, preventing legitimate users from accessing it.
4. Diversion Tactic: Attackers may use DDoS as a distraction for data breaches or malware deployment.

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How to Prevent and Counter a DDoS Attack?

✅ Traffic Filtering: AI-based tools help detect and block malicious requests.
✅ Rate Limiting: Restricts the number of requests per user to prevent overload.
✅ Bot Detection Tools: Using CAPTCHA and behavioral analysis to filter out bots.
✅ Robust Authentication: Strengthening login security to prevent unauthorized access.
✅ Incident Response Teams: Cybersecurity experts monitor, detect, and mitigate attacks.

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MCQs for UPSC CSE

1. What is the primary objective of a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack?
   A) Data theft
   B) Flooding a system with excessive traffic to disrupt services
   C) Spreading misinformation
   D) Installing spyware on target devices

   Answer: B) Flooding a system with excessive traffic to disrupt services

2. Which of the following is a key component of a DDoS attack?
   A) SQL Injection
   B) Botnet
   C) Trojan Horse
   D) Phishing

   Answer: B) Botnet

3. How can organizations protect themselves from DDoS attacks?
   A) Implementing rate limiting
   B) Using CAPTCHA-based authentication
   C) Deploying AI-based traffic monitoring
   D) All of the above

   Answer: D) All of the above

4. Which of the following is NOT a method used in a DDoS attack?
   A) Traffic Overload
   B) Malware Distribution
   C) Botnet Formation
   D) Network Flooding

   Answer: B) Malware Distribution

5. What role does an "Incident Response Team" play in cybersecurity?
   A) Preventing phishing attacks
   B) Responding to and mitigating cyber threats like DDoS attacks
   C) Developing AI-based firewalls
   D) Monitoring social media for fake news

   Answer: B) Responding to and mitigating cyber threats like DDoS attacks

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Mains Question for UPSC CSE

1. Discuss the significance of cybersecurity in protecting digital infrastructure. Analyze the impact of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks and suggest measures to mitigate them.