Understanding and Responding to Distributed Denial-of-Service Attacks

This guide, published by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC), addresses distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks and provides comprehensive resources for government entities. It categorizes DDoS and denial-of-service (DoS) techniques into three types: volumetric, protocol, and application layer attacks. The document outlines the characteristics of each attack type and discusses the challenges faced by organizations in defending against them. It emphasizes the importance of proactive measures, including risk assessments, network monitoring, and the implementation of incident response plans. Additionally, the guide details steps organizations should take before, during, and after experiencing a DDoS attack to minimize potential damage. It also highlights the need for employee training and communication plans to ensure effective responses to such incidents.