DDoS Attacks Rise 46% in 2024: A Gcore Analysis

Lilu Anderson
Photo: Finoracle.net

Understanding DDoS Attacks

DDoS attacks, or Distributed Denial of Service attacks, are like a traffic jam on a highway—so much data is sent to a server that it becomes overwhelmed and can't function properly. This is similar to a situation where too many people try to access a website simultaneously, causing it to crash.

Surge in Attack Frequency

In the first half of 2024, DDoS attacks surged by 46%, with 445,000 attacks recorded in the second quarter alone. This sharp increase underscores the urgent need for businesses to enhance their cybersecurity measures. In comparison to late 2023, there was a 34% escalation, highlighting a growing trend that cannot be ignored.

Peak Attack Power

The most powerful attack in 2024 reached 1.7 terabits per second (Tbps), slightly up from 1.6 Tbps the previous year. To put it into perspective, 1 Tbps can equate to over 212,000 high-definition video streams at once. Even minor increases in this capacity reflect a substantial threat.

Industries Most Affected

The gaming and gambling sector remains the most targeted, accounting for 49% of all DDoS attacks. This sector's vulnerability stems from its competitive nature and high financial stakes. The technology industry also saw a doubling of attacks, making up 15% of incidents. Financial services, telecom, and e-commerce followed with 12%, 10%, and 7% of attacks, respectively.

Network vs. Application Layer Attacks

Network-layer attacks (L3–4) have been particularly harsh on gaming, technology, and telecom industries due to their reliance on real-time data services. These attacks interrupt the flow of data, akin to cutting off a phone line during a critical call. Application-layer attacks (L7) have targeted financial services and e-commerce, disrupting transaction processing and content delivery, similar to blocking a shopping checkout line.

Attack Origins and Types

Tracing the origins of application-layer attacks involves identifying the sources of IP addresses, giving businesses clues about potential threats. Network-layer attacks, however, often use IP spoofing, making it harder to pinpoint their origin. Common methods include UDP floods for network attacks and HTTP floods for application attacks, exploiting weaknesses in communication protocols.

Attack Duration and Personalization

Most DDoS attacks are brief, under 10 minutes, but their impact is significant. The longest attack in the first half of 2024 lasted 16 hours, emphasizing the need for robust defenses. Attackers are increasingly personalizing their methods, targeting specific industries with tailored tactics. For example, in gaming, short but frequent attacks aim to degrade servers and push users to competitors, while more intense attacks in financial services seek immediate financial gain.

This trend towards customization requires advanced defensive measures and highlights the importance of international cooperation in cyber defense.

Conclusion

DDoS attacks remain a pressing global issue, necessitating collaboration and intelligence sharing to mitigate their impact. As these attacks grow in complexity and specificity, businesses must adopt vigilant and proactive strategies to safeguard their assets.

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Lilu Anderson is a technology writer and analyst with over 12 years of experience in the tech industry. A graduate of Stanford University with a degree in Computer Science, Lilu specializes in emerging technologies, software development, and cybersecurity. Her work has been published in renowned tech publications such as Wired, TechCrunch, and Ars Technica. Lilu’s articles are known for their detailed research, clear articulation, and insightful analysis, making them valuable to readers seeking reliable and up-to-date information on technology trends. She actively stays abreast of the latest advancements and regularly participates in industry conferences and tech meetups. With a strong reputation for expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness, Lilu Anderson continues to deliver high-quality content that helps readers understand and navigate the fast-paced world of technology.