In recent years, cyber threats in Indonesia have been on the rise, including Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks. During this election year, Antara reported that the General Elections Commission (KPU) of Indonesia has faced hundreds of millions of DoS attacks on its website, making the KPU’s site, which contains information and data for the 2024 elections, difficult to access.
DoS attacks are notorious for their disruptive nature, as they can impact online services ranging from companies to government institutions. With the potential to disrupt business operations and public services, DoS attacks should not be taken lightly.
So, what exactly is a DoS attack, and how can you address it? Find out in this article.
What is a DoS Attack?
A Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack is a type of cyber-attack designed to make a server, service, or network crash or become unavailable, causing businesses to lose revenue and suffer reputational damage. Typically, these attacks originate from a single internet network and computer.
Attackers work by sending fake requests rapidly and continuously to the targeted server, causing the traffic to be overwhelmed with requests. However, due to the excessive consumption of bandwidth and network resources, legitimate users are unable to access the system when needed.
Difference Between DoS and DDoS Attacks
A Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack is similar to a DoS attack but originates from multiple sources, making it more challenging to combat. As a result, the damage can be more significant. Here are the types of both attacks:
Types of DoS Attacks
- Browser Redirection: Users are directed to a malicious webpage when requesting a page to be loaded
- Connection Closure: Attackers close open ports and deny user access to the database
- Data Destruction: Intentional deletion of files or through injection attacks
- Resource Exhaustion: Attackers continuously request access to specific resources
Types of DDoS Attacks
- SYN Flood: Exploits TCP communication by sending many SYN packets to exhaust the targeted system’s resources
- Spoofing: Hackers disguise themselves as legitimate users or devices to launch cyber attacks
- Application Layer DDoS Attack: Exploits vulnerabilities or misconfigurations in applications
- Domain Name System (DNS) Flood: Sending a large number of DNS requests to the target DNS server, typically consisting of queries about various domains or subdomains
How to Identify a DoS Attack?
Network infrastructure providers often do not filter redirect ads and packet data to verify the source of traffic. Therefore, traffic frequently becomes a target for malicious activity.
With adequate network security monitoring, you can better analyze threats to traffic. It is essential to monitor metadata from your network devices, such as routers and switches, using quality security monitoring tools. Even after identification, DoS attacks can be launched without warning, so it is crucial to understand how to minimize their risks.
Steps to Minimize DoS Attack Risks
Weak security posture and visibility can be vulnerabilities that allow DoS and other web attacks. Here are steps you can take to reduce the risks from these attacks:
1. Use Cloud-Based Security
Cloud-based security systems allow you to extend policies to all users for comprehensive visibility. Additionally, cloud systems offer automatic updates.
2. Implement XDR
With Extended Detection and Response (XDR), you can gain threat visibility at endpoints and insights into risky data and cloud environments.
3. Consider Using SOC
A Security Operations Center (SOC) helps you monitor cloud policies, detect and respond to threats, protect data, and comply with security regulations.
4. Apply a Zero-Trust Architecture
Zero-trust security allows you to provide limited access to authorized parties, helping to prevent hackers from infiltrating the system.
In addition to the above steps, you should also use adequate solutions as previously explained. Central Data Technology offers comprehensive solutions to reduce Denial-of-Service risks from AWS, Akamai, Dynatrace, F5, and Zscaler.
Solutions from AWS, Akamai, Zscaler, Dynatrace, and F5 from CDT
AWS Shield, Akamai DDoS Protection, Dynatrace Application Security, Web Application and API Protection from F5, and ZPA from Zscaler provide protection against various cyber threats, especially DoS attacks. Here are the advantages and key features of each product:
1. AWS Shield
AWS Shield is a protection program designed to identify threats using exabyte-scale detection to aggregate data across AWS. AWS Shield has two main features: AWS Shield Standard for comprehensive data availability protection against unknown threats, and AWS Shield Advanced for specialized protection against large and complex DDoS attacks.
Advantages:
- Automated detection and mitigation of DDoS attacks at the network level
- Customizable application protection with integration of Shield Response Team (SRT) or AWS WAF
- Visibility, insights, and cost-saving during DDoS attacks
Also Read: AWS WAF dan AWS Shield: Solusi Keamanan Komprehensif Paling Ideal
2. Akamai DDoS Protection
Akamai offers several comprehensive DoS attack protection services. With Akamai, you get a DDoS cloud architecture designed for higher defense, dedicated scrubbing capacity, and better mitigation quality. Akamai’s DDoS protection also ensures the availability, security, and speed of your DNS.
Advantages:
- Maintain business operations with dedicated infrastructure
- Optimize protection while maintaining DNS availability with segmented resources across multiple clouds
- Full control over traffic and stop attacks directly in the cloud before reaching your servers
Key features of Akamai DDoS Protection:
- App and API Protector: Protects application and API security at the edge
- Prolexic: Infrastructure protection from DDoS attacks
- Edge DNS: Protects on-premises, cloud, and hybrid DNS while providing high availability and performance
3. Dynatrace Application Security
Dynatrace’s Application Security prevents DoS attack risks using AI to automate security functions for higher protection.
Key features of Dynatrace:
- DevSecOps integration and automation
- Risk mitigation and remediation automation on a robust platform
- Risk identification and remediation with Runtime Vulnerability Analytics
- Maximize cloud security automation functions with AI
- Minimize threat risks with Runtime Application Protection
- Get analysis results with Security Analytics
4. F5 Web Application and API Protection
F5 provides protection for web applications and APIs, ensuring continuous and consistent security. With F5’s solutions integrated with various architectures, you can combat DoS and complex multi-vector DDoS attacks.
Advantages:
- Ongoing defense to mitigate threat risks and enhance digital resilience
- Easy to use with end-to-end monitoring and consistent protection
- Align security with digital strategy and reduce workload for policy management and remediation
- Protect APIs across hybrid and multi-cloud environments with F5 Distributed Cloud WAAP
Key features of F5 for countering DoS attacks:
- Application Vulnerability Mitigation
- Bot and Abuse Mitigation
- Secure API and Third-Party Integration
- DDoS Attack Protection
- Secure Mobile Apps
5. Zscaler Private Access (ZPA)
Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) ensures fast, secure, and smooth access while minimizing DoS and zero-day threat risks. Zscaler features three main components: zero-trust networking, protection from cyber threats, and data security.
Advantages:
- Replace traditional VPNs
- Prevent breaches on private applications
- Support hybrid workforce
- Reduce complexity and costs
Also Read: What is API Security, How it Works and Its Functions?
Discuss Your Company’s DoS Protection Needs with CDT
It’s time to protect your systems from DoS attacks using solutions from AWS, Akamai, Dynatrace, F5, and Zscaler. As an authorized distributor and partner of these leading brands, the IT team of Central Data Technology (CDT) will assist you through consultation, implementation, maintenance, and after-sales support.
Get your solution now by contacting CDT using this link.
Author: Anggita Olivia Herman – Content Writer CTI Group
