What does DDoS stand for?

DDoS stands for Distributed Denial of Service. This term refers to a coordinated attempt to make an online service unavailable by overwhelming it with traffic from multiple sources. Unlike a simple denial of service attack, which may come from a single source, a distributed attack leverages numerous compromised systems or networks — often as part of a botnet — to flood the target with requests, ultimately causing service disruption.

Understanding the components of the term provides insight into its function. "Distributed" implies the involvement of multiple attacker systems, making it challenging to defend against, as the requests originate from various geographic locations and addresses. "Denial of Service" indicates that the primary goal is to prevent legitimate users from accessing the service. This concept is crucial in cybersecurity, as it highlights vulnerabilities within networked systems and the importance of implementing protective measures against such attacks.