Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks have been a common method used by cybercriminals to disrupt online services by overwhelming servers with an enormous amount of traffic. These attacks have become increasingly sophisticated over time, resulting in the largest DDoS attacks that have been launched in recent years.
In this article, we will take a look at the biggest DDoS attack in the world to date and examine the impact it had on the targeted website and the internet as a whole.
The Attack
The largest DDoS attack on record was launched against GitHub, a popular code hosting platform used by developers around the world, in February 2018. The attack peaked at 1.35 terabits per second (Tbps) and lasted for more than 20 minutes.
The attack was initially detected by GitHub's automated systems, which alerted the company's security team. The team immediately began working to mitigate the attack, but it was so massive that it overwhelmed their defenses.
The attackers used a technique called Memcached amplification, which involves exploiting misconfigured Memcached servers to amplify traffic and direct it towards the target. Memcached is a distributed memory caching system used to speed up websites and web applications. When misconfigured, it can be used to launch powerful DDoS attacks.
The attackers were able to launch such a massive attack by using a botnet, which is a network of compromised computers that are controlled by a single entity. The botnet used in the attack was composed of tens of thousands of devices, including internet-connected cameras, routers, and other IoT devices.
The Impact
The GitHub DDoS attack was one of the largest and most powerful ever launched, and it had a significant impact on the internet as a whole. The attack caused disruptions for GitHub users around the world, as the website was inaccessible during the attack.
The attack also caused widespread concern in the cybersecurity community, as it demonstrated the potential for massive DDoS attacks that could be used to take down critical internet infrastructure. The attack on GitHub highlighted the need for improved security measures and prompted many companies to review their own DDoS defenses.
The Response
GitHub responded to the attack by working with its infrastructure providers to identify and block the attack traffic. The company also worked to improve its DDoS defenses, implementing new measures to detect and mitigate DDoS attacks.
The attack also prompted a broader response from the cybersecurity community, with many experts calling for increased collaboration and information sharing to combat the growing threat of DDoS attacks. The attack on GitHub highlighted the need for a more proactive approach to cybersecurity, with companies and individuals taking steps to protect themselves before an attack occurs.
Conclusion
The GitHub DDoS attack was the largest and most powerful ever launched, demonstrating the potential for cybercriminals to disrupt critical internet infrastructure using massive DDoS attacks. The attack had a significant impact on the internet and prompted a broad response from the cybersecurity community.
While DDoS attacks are nothing new, the GitHub attack highlighted the need for improved security measures and a more proactive approach to cybersecurity. As technology continues to advance, it is likely that we will see more sophisticated and powerful DDoS attacks in the future. Companies and individuals must take steps to protect themselves and their infrastructure to mitigate the impact of these attacks.
