Isn’t it annoying when a webpage won’t load? Imagine how much more annoying it would be if every website you visit on a daily basis suddenly stopped working. That’s what happens during major DDoS attacks that target internet servers.

What is DDOS?
DDoS stands for distributed denial-of-service. It’s a cyberattack that floods servers with more information than they can handle, causing them to crash. This can knock services offline for thousands of organizations and cause internet outages for millions of people.

What is a Botnet?
When multiple internetconnected devices get infected with malicious software, cybercriminals can take control of those devices and form an army of attackers known as a botnet. The term botnet is short for “robot network”, and it’s how DDoS attacks are launched.

What Can Be Done To Prevent DDOS Attacks?
Organizations that use IoT must take appropriate measures to secure it, which can include implementing strong authentication and encryption, monitoring network traffic for unusual activity, and keeping devices updated.

Additionally, consumers can also do their part. Here are a few ways to protect any smart devices you might own:

• Do some research. The best way to combat security concerns is by researching products and only purchasing the ones that offer robust security controls or privacy settings.
• Update default passwords immediately. Many devices ship with default login credentials that are public knowledge. Change them as soon as you power up the device.
• Enable automatic updates. Outdated devices and software could have security vulnerabilities. Wherever possible, ensure your internet-connected things are always on the latest updates.
• Disable unnecessary features. Take a “less is more” approach to security and disable any features you don’t need or won’t use. This can help reduce personal data collection.
• Occasionally review privacy settings. While updates are vital, developers sometimes push new features with updates that might change various settings. Make a habit of occasionally reviewing privacy settings to ensure they’re set to your preferences.

Remember: Smart connections usually equal data collection. So while technology can be amazing, it needs a little hands-on effort to protect personal information and prevent cyberattacks like DDoS.

Article retrieved from The Internet of Hackable Things by The Security Awareness Company – KnowBe4, Inc. (2023)