If you are not sure what a UDP flood DDoS attack is, we should begin with some definitions. A DDoS attack prevents a server from functioning by keeping it busy with fake tasks. A UDP is a User Datagram Protocol, which is a simplified way for computers to send messages to one another. It is very fast, and when used for legitimate reasons, it helps us with tasks that need information to move rapidly, such as gaming or video calls.
So, What is a UDP Flood DDoS Attack, and How Does it Work?
Malicious actors have discovered that they can target servers with a flood of UDP packets that completely overwhelms them and prevents them from working properly. When a server receives a UDP packet, it looks for the program that should receive it. If it cannot find it, it sends a packet that “tells” the sender that its UDP packet cannot reach its destination.
When a flood of these fake packets comes in, the server becomes overwhelmed. It has to use its resources to check each one and send the response. It no longer has the resources to work normally, so it becomes impossible to perform the services it offers to legitimate users.
UDP Flood DDoS Attacks: Preventative and Reactive Measures
Prevention is always the first step, but if attackers find a way around defences, effective reactions can still save the day.
Ways of Preventing UDP Flood DDoS Attacks And What They Do
Rate limiting means that you only allow a certain number of requests to come to the server from any IP address.
Firewall filtering means that your firewall blocks out UDP traffic that shows signs of being malicious. It may identify requests that look unusual or that come from unknown sources.
Filtering at network level spots and drops UDP traffic that does not have anything to do with the target’s function if it manages to slip into your network.
Limiting the server’s responses (ICMP rate limiting) means that even if the UDP packets are received, your server will limit responses that would otherwise prevent it from being able to work properly.
Reactive Measures When a UDP Flood DDoS Attack is Underway
Monitoring network traffic helps you to see unusual increases in UDP traffic early on, allowing you to react quickly.
DDoS mitigation services can find the unwanted traffic and filter it out so that it can no longer reach its target.
Activating your incident response plan alerts your incident managers and cyber security team. Your incident response plan outlines what everybody should do to get your systems working quickly.
How Common are UDP DDoS Attacks?
It’s an unfortunate truth that we need a mini-dictionary to describe all the types of DDoS attacks that are out there. Every business that needs computer networks to function (i.e., just about everybody) should be concerned. Cyber Security Magazine rates DDoS attacks as among the most serious risks facing businesses.
Hindering data gathering and the potential to draw conclusions, a minority of cyber attacks are reported. After all, it is practically impossible to track the culprits. The threat landscape is dynamic, and a foiled attack is likely to go unmentioned. However, we can say that UDP Flood DDoS attacks are still alarmingly common. They were certainly the most frequently used form of DDoS attack in 2023.
Various cybersecurity agencies have recently produced conflicting data, most likely based on the geographical areas and industries they serve; however, it would be fair to say that UDP DDoS attacks are still a very serious threat.
Why Do Cybercriminals Launch DDoS Attacks?
There are multiple reasons why DDoS attacks are launched. Though crippling an organisation might seem unprofitable, there is almost always a deeper reason why cyber criminals do it.
Extortion
The most obvious way attackers may benefit is through extortion. They cripple systems and then demand a ransom to restore them. Needless to say, paying the ransom only benefits the criminals, and paying it encourages them to intensify their efforts. If your organisation is well-prepared, you can restore functionality quickly.
Testing Your Cyber Security
Just as a burglar might check out your doors and windows to see how vulnerable your house is, cyber criminals may launch DDoS attacks to find out whether your systems are well-defended. If they are not, they will attack with greater direction and purpose in the future.
Distracting You While They Steal Data
You and your team are focused on the DDoS attack. While you are distracted by the crisis, you may not be paying attention to other vulnerabilities. This can be equated to distracting a homeowner at their front door while the real thief sneaks in through the back.
Revenge or an Attack By Competitors
It’s likely that not everybody loves your business. An angry client, a disgruntled former employee, or a competitor might like to see your organisation floundering. They know that they can harm your organisation’s reputation and cost you a fortune by disabling your servers.
Hacktivism
In a healthy society, there are constructive ways to disagree with one another. Unfortunately, some people will resort to crime to prove a point or influence events. Politically motivated cyberattacks are on the rise and, to some people, their preferred opinions or ideals might seem to “justify” what amounts to sabotage.
Just For Kicks
Some of the earliest cyberattacks were launched by people who just wanted to show they could do scary things with their tech acumen. There are still people who will launch cyberattacks just for “bragging rights” or simply because they have discovered that they can.
Let Advantex Act As Your Cyber Security Team
Few organisations can afford, or even need, a fully-equipped, certified in-house cyber security team. Even those who should consider it may find that accessing the right talent is not easy and that round-the-clock vigilance is costly.
There is a solution, and it works for organisations of almost every description. With Advantex, you can access the best cyber security tools – and the people who know how to use them. Even more importantly, you can prepare for any cyber security challenge you may face, leaving hackers with nothing to gain from their efforts.
With regard to UDP flood DDoS attacks, we will prepare your organisation to fend off or address this contingency. Our top strategy is to prevent attacks. Our next priority is to spot them before they can affect your operations. If all else fails, we’ll ensure you can get back up and running fast. Meanwhile, we help you build a cybersecurity-aware organisation that’s hard to breach.
Contact us today to find out how our cyber security services can help you stay connected while staying safe. We offer holistic solutions and round-the-clock monitoring and support.
