Protecting your business against DDoS attacks is not a simple matter. Your network and your DDoS protection are intertwined; such attacks penetrate your network and disrupt your business. It is critical for your security strategy to examine both to fully protect your organization. This is even more important now considering that the types of DDoS attacks have evolved significantly, requiring customers to take a broad view of the type of incidents they may encounter.
Here we’ll look at some of the newer attack types you may not be familiar with, along with the challenges you may encounter when looking for a DDoS mitigation provider and the value of investing in an integrated network and security solution.
Emerging DDoS attack trends
The landscape of DDoS attacks is constantly evolving, presenting new challenges and threats you need to be prepared to address.
- Increased frequency and duration: DDoS attacks with increased frequency and duration, such as low-volume, long-lasting attacks, can make it a challenge to find a service capable of effective mitigation. There are hybrid approaches as well, in which a DDoS attack is launched along with other cyberthreats, such as malware and data breaches, which require a comprehensive service that can handle such incidents.
- IoT botnet attacks: Hackers are using the Internet of Things (IoT) for botnet attacks, requiring businesses to assess vulnerabilities in their connected devices. Bad actors are also employing multi-vector techniques and entry points to reach their targets.
- Ransom DDoS (RDDoS): Another rising trend is the use of DDoS as a ransom tool, referred to as RDDoS. In these attacks, cybercriminals threaten organizations with prolonged DDoS attacks unless a ransom is paid.
- AI and ML-driven attacks: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are being used by attackers to launch automated and adaptive DDoS campaigns. These technologies enable bad actors to quickly identify vulnerabilities and adjust attack parameters in real time to bypass defenses.
- Cloud and SaaS targeting: As businesses have migrated to the cloud and rely on Software as a Service (SaaS) providers, these entities are prime targets for DDoS attacks. The downtime caused can disrupt services for end users on a global scale.
Understanding the emerging trends in DDoS attacks is the first step in developing a robust defense strategy. Your next step is selecting the right provider.
What to look for in a DDoS mitigation provider
The DDoS mitigation market consists of diverse technologies, services and providers. Now that you know the type of attacks that you need to protect against, you will want to consider these capabilities when evaluating vendors:
- Integrated network and DDoS protection: Given the critical linkages between your network and your DDoS mitigation service, it makes sense to integrate both with a single provider, as it streamlines operations and can help eliminate inefficiencies that arise from third-party or non-network-based providers.
- Speed of response: With any DDoS attack, speed is of the essence. Having the same network and DDoS mitigation provider can help speed responses to attacks immediately, avoiding calls to other providers which can delay the response and create significant damage to your business. Your provider must be able to order, configure and activate DDoS protection quickly as every second counts when an attack occurs.
- Network scale and performance: Engage a provider that has extensive network scale and is capable of absorbing and mitigating large-scale attacks without compromising performance.
- Proactive monitoring and mitigation: Look for defensive services that offer proactive monitoring and mitigation strategies to handle attacks before they escalate.
- Advanced technologies and expertise: As advanced attacks become more common, sophisticated countermeasures require equally advanced defenses. Ensure your provider employs up-to-date technologies to address ever-evolving threats. Choose a provider with expertise in handling DDoS scenarios to counteract even the most complex attacks.
You’ll need a provider that offers a robust and integrated solution designed to streamline your operations and provide a strong defense against evolving threats.
Fast, secure connectivity plus award-winning threat intelligence
Lumen has a long history of protecting customers from DDoS attacks and mitigating damage when an attack occurs. Now we’ve made it even easier to acquire the DDoS protection you need with a bundle that includes our award-winning Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) and DDoS Mitigation solutions. Combining these services allows you to integrate your DDoS protection with your network, to help you simplify your operations and protect your business. With this bundle, we’ve done the work for you by integrating these critical components.
Since implementing Lumen DDoS Mitigation and Dedicated Internet Access, Micro Center has seen a 30% improvement in network performance and a 97% reduction in attacks—enabling the retailer to improve security compliance and customer satisfaction while maintaining efficient operations.
Lumen DDoS Mitigation services incorporate the advanced threat intelligence provided by Black Lotus Labs®, the Threat Research and Operations arm of Lumen. Black Lotus Labs was named “Threat Intelligence Company of the Year” in 2024 as part of the CyberSecurity Breakthrough Awards, underscoring our relentless efforts to innovate and enhance our cybersecurity offerings. What this means for you is a comprehensive security solution that not only protects against DDoS attacks but also proactively identifies and neutralizes emerging threats, so your business can remain secure and resilient in the face of evolving cyberthreats.
Find out how you can start reaping the benefits of enterprise-grade internet connectivity combined with industry leading cybersecurity measures from an industry leader.
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