What Happens During a DDOS Attack?

 

What are the mechanics of a DDoS attack? What happens during the attack?

DDoS attacks are carried out using a network of remotely controlled, hacked computers or bots, known as a botnet. The hacker, often referred to as a "botmaster", controls this network. The botnet is used to generate an overwhelming amount of traffic to a target website or an online service, rendering it inoperable.

In a typical DDoS attack, the hacker begins by exploiting a vulnerability in one computer system and making it the DDoS master. The attack master, also known as the botmaster, identifies and infects other vulnerable systems with malware. Eventually, the hacker gains control of several compromised computers to form a network of 'bots', which is called a botnet.

Once a botnet is established, the attacker sends updated instructions to the botnet, commanding it to attack a specified target. The botnet carries out these orders by sending vast amounts of traffic to the target, causing its network to overload and eventually crash.