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how to prevent dos and ddos attacks

New Exclusive Difference Between Dos And Ddos Attacks

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Difference Between Dos And Ddos attack
Difference Between Dos And Ddos attack

Both DDoS and DoS attacks disrupt the normal functioning of a website or network by overwhelming it with traffic. But there are significant differences between them. Understanding these differences is mandatory for anyone responsible for defending against cyber attacks and ensuring the availability of online safety resources. We will discuss the difference between DDoS and DoS attacks in detail. 

Therefore, read the blog till the end to understand DDoS and DoS attacks better.

What is a DoS attack?

A DoS (Denial of Service) attack is a kind of cyber attack designed to disrupt the normal functioning of a website or network by overwhelming it with traffic. A DoS attack gets launched from a single device or different devices that intend to exhaust the resources of the target website or network, making it unavailable to legitimate users.

What are the kinds of DoS attacks?

The kinds of DoS attacks are-

  • Browser Redirection

Browser Redirection occurs when someone tries to reach a webpage, but another page with a different URL opens. Only the directed page is visible, as the hacker diverted the original page to another webpage.

  • Closing Connections

After sealing the connection, no communication gets established between the sender (server) and the receiver (client). Here the hacker prevents the user from accessing resources.

  • Data Destruction

Data Destruction occurs when the hacker destroys the resource by making it unavailable for usage. Resources get deleted, or the hacker might overwrite the data.

  • Resource Exhaustion

Resource Exhaustion occurs when the hacker frequently demands admission to a resource and overloads the web application, which slows down and finally crashes. Therefore, the user fails to access the webpage.

What is a DDoS attack?

A DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack is also a kind of cyber attack designed to disrupt the normal functioning of a website or network by overwhelming it with traffic. DDoS attacks involve various devices, often compromised by malware, that work together to launch the attack.

What are the types of DDoS attacks?

The kinds of DDoS attacks are-

  • Volume/Network-Based Attacks

Volume/Network-Based attacks focus on jamming the available bandwidth for the server by cutting the supply short.

Example – ICMP Requests and UDP Floods.

  • Protocol Based Attacks

Protocol Based attacks consume vital resources of the target server and exhaust the load balancers and firewalls that protect the system against DDoS attacks. 

Example – SYN Floods

  • Application-Based Attacks

Application-Based attacks target applications and operating systems. They prevent applications from providing the required data to users by hogging the network to the point the system crashes. 

Example – HTTP flooding and BGP hijacking.

  • Fragmentation Attacks

Fragmentation attacks involve a hacker who transmits web requests in fragments, slower than usual. On getting Stuck with a single fragment request, a system fails to function, ending up crashing. 

Example – Teardrop attacks and ICMP flooding.

Detailed Difference between DoS and DDoS attacks.

 

 

DoS Attack

DDoS Attack


Full Form

DoS stands for “Denial of Service.”

DDoS stands for “Distributed Denial of Service.” 



Devices Included

A DoS attack involves a single device or more devices.

A DDoS attack involves various devices, often compromised by malware, working together to launch the attack. 



Severity

DoS attacks are not so sophisticated and can not cause much damage to the devices.

DDoS attacks are typically more sophisticated and can cause more damage as they involve many devices and a volume of traffic.


Blocking

DoS attacks are easy to block, as the traffic comes from a single source.

DDoS attacks are more difficult to block, as the traffic comes from multiple sources.



Mitigation

DoS attacks are easier to mitigate, as the attack does not get distributed across different devices.

DDoS attacks are hard to mitigate, as the attack gets distributed across a large number of devices.



Cost

DoS attacks are not very costly to defend against as they do not require advanced security measures.

DDoS attacks are typically more costly to defend against as they require more advanced security measures.



Detection

DoS attacks can be detected easily, as there is less traffic.

DDoS attacks can be more difficult to detect, as the traffic appears to come from multiple legitimate sources.



Prevention

DoS attacks can be prevented easily, as they do not involve compromised devices.

DDoS attacks can be more difficult to prevent, as they often involve compromised devices that are not controlled by the victim.



Behaviour

DoS attacks are not very disruptive.

DDoS attacks are typically more disruptive, as they involve a large volume of traffic that can overwhelm the target website or network.


Recovery

DoS attacks are easier to recover from.

DDoS attacks can be more difficult to recover from, as the attack may last for a longer period.



Loss

DoS attacks can result in lost revenue and damaged reputation.

DDoS attacks can result in lost revenue, damaged reputation, and increased costs for security and recovery.



Legal Actions

DOS attacks can be identified and located effortlessly, as the attackers are in the same place.

DDoS attacks can be more difficult to prosecute, as the attackers may be difficult to identify and locate.




Attention

DoS attacks often require less attention than DDoS attacks.

DDoS attacks often distract or divert attention away from other malicious activities, such as data theft or ransomware attacks.



Motivation

DoS attacks can be motivated by diverse reasons, like revenge, prestige harm, and ransom.

DDoS attacks can be motivated by a variety of reasons, like political activism, extortion, and competition.




Launching

DoS attacks can get launched from one specific location, as the devices used to carry out the attack are located at the same place.

DDOS attacks can get launched from any location, as the devices used to carry out the attack can be located anywhere in the world.

What are the similarities between DoS and DDoS attacks?

  1. Both disrupt the routine functioning of a website or network by overwhelming it with traffic.
  2. Both aim to deplete the resources of the target website or network, making it inaccessible to legitimate users.
  3. Both can cause damage to the victim, such as lost revenue, damaged reputation, and increased costs for security and recovery.
  4. Both can have severe outcomes for the victim, including financial loss, legal penalties, and harm to reputation.
  5. Both can be launched using various methods, including botnets, malware, and mocked IP addresses.
  6. Both can be challenging to detect and prevent, as they often involve traffic that appears to be coming from legitimate authorities.
  7. Both can be difficult to mitigate and recover from, as they may last longer and require refined safety measures.
  8. Both can be motivated by diverse reasons, including political activism, extortion, and competition.
  9. Both can get launched from any location.
  10. Both can be charged under cybercrime laws if the attackers get recognised.

 

Which is more dangerous - DoS or a DDoS attack?

DoS and DDoS attacks can have severe consequences for the victim, such as monetary loss, legal penalties, and damage to prestige. One must protect against both by implementing security measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and load balancers.

DDoS attacks are generally more cultivated and can cause more damage than DoS attacks, as they involve various devices and traffic.

Wrapping Up!

The difference between DoS and DDoS attacks in Cyber Security varies on a different basis. But both are dangerous for our systems and network. Therefore, proper security measures must be taken to prevent such (DoS and DDoS) attacks. 

If you have any comments or suggestions regarding the blog or wish to ask something, feel free to write to us.

Happy Learning!