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WordPress Glossary: DDoS Attack

WordPress Glossary: Understanding DDoS Attacks

Running a website on a Virtual Private Server (VPS) like Server.HK comes with many benefits, including increased control, scalability, and performance. However, it also exposes your site to various security threats, one of which is the Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack. This article will delve into what DDoS attacks are, how they work, and how you can protect your WordPress site hosted on a VPS.

What is a DDoS Attack?

A DDoS attack is a malicious attempt to disrupt the normal functioning of a network, service, or server by overwhelming it with a flood of internet traffic. The ‘Distributed’ in DDoS comes from the fact that the attack originates from multiple sources, making it difficult to stop by blocking a single IP address.

How Does a DDoS Attack Work?

DDoS attacks work by exploiting the open nature of the internet. The attacker begins by exploiting a vulnerability in one computer system and making it the DDoS master. The attack master identifies unprotected devices like computers or IoT devices and infects them with malware, turning them into bots (also known as zombies). This network of bots, called a botnet, is used to flood the target with traffic, causing a denial of service.

Types of DDoS Attacks

There are several types of DDoS attacks, but the most common ones include:

  • Volume Based Attacks: These attacks aim to consume the bandwidth of the site, and they include ICMP floods, UDP floods, and other spoofed-packet floods.
  • Protocol Attacks: These attacks consume actual server resources or those of intermediate communication equipment like firewalls and load balancers. They include SYN floods, fragmented packet attacks, and Ping of Death.
  • Application Layer Attacks: These are the most sophisticated and subtle DDoS attacks. They target specific applications by mimicking normal behavior and consuming server resources. They include low-and-slow attacks and GET/POST floods.

How to Protect Your WordPress Site on a VPS from DDoS Attacks

Protecting your WordPress site hosted on a VPS like Server.HK from DDoS attacks involves several strategies:

  • Secure Your VPS: Ensure that your VPS is secure by regularly updating and patching your system, using strong passwords, and limiting login attempts.
  • Install a Web Application Firewall (WAF): A WAF can help filter out DDoS traffic before it reaches your server.
  • Use DDoS Protection Services: There are services that can help protect your site from DDoS attacks by rerouting your traffic through their network and filtering out DDoS traffic.
  • Monitor Your Traffic: Regularly monitoring your traffic can help you identify a DDoS attack early before it can cause significant damage.

Conclusion

DDoS attacks are a serious threat to any website, especially those hosted on a VPS. Understanding what DDoS attacks are and how they work is the first step in protecting your WordPress site. By securing your VPS, installing a WAF, using DDoS protection services, and monitoring your traffic, you can protect your site from DDoS attacks and ensure that your site remains accessible to your users.