A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack is a malicious attempt to disrupt the normal functioning of a network, service, or website by overwhelming it with a flood of internet traffic. It originated in the late 1990s as a way for hackers to overwhelm a target's network or website by flooding it with a large volume of traffic from multiple sources. The goal of a DDoS attack is to disrupt the normal functioning of the target and make it inaccessible to legitimate users. These attacks can be launched against various targets, including websites, online services, or even entire networks. The attackers typically use botnets, which are networks of infected computers, to carry out the attack.
Botnets are networks of infected computers that are controlled by a central command. They are typically used for malicious purposes, such as launching coordinated cyber attacks or distributing spam emails. An example of a botnet is a network of thousands of computers that have been infected with malware and are being controlled by a hacker. The hacker can use this botnet to launch large-scale cyber attacks, such as DDoS attacks, or to send out massive amounts of spam emails. Botnets can consist of thousands or even millions of infected computers, making them incredibly powerful and difficult to take down. Additionally, botnets are often rented out or sold on the dark web, allowing cybercriminals to use them for their own malicious purposes.
The dark web refers to a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and is often associated with illegal activities. It is a hidden network where users can remain anonymous and engage in various illicit activities such as buying and selling drugs, weapons, and stolen data.
Tor is a free and open-source software that allows for anonymous communication over the internet. It works by routing internet traffic through a network of volunteer-operated servers called "nodes" or "relays," encrypting and re-encrypting the data multiple times to provide anonymity and privacy for users.
DDoS attacks can have severe consequences, leading to financial losses, reputational damage, and even temporary or permanent shutdown of the targeted system. These attacks are designed to overwhelm the target's resources, such as bandwidth or processing power, causing a disruption in its normal operations.
