How to Protect Your Website Against DDoS Attacks

Security news
2025/05/19

On March 10, the social media platform X experienced widespread outages. Reports indicated that these disruptions were caused by a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack. A group on Telegram claimed responsibility, but there was insufficient evidence to verify the claim.

According to analysis, the attack was launched via a Mirai-based botnet utilizing compromised IoT devices, primarily hacked cameras. The main target was an unprotected ASN (Autonomous System Number) belonging to the X network.

How Do DDoS Attacks Work?

In a DDoS attack, the attacker floods a website with an overwhelming amount of fake traffic, aiming to exhaust resources and disrupt normal service. This traffic is typically generated via botnets or other compromised sources. One common technique involves spoofing source IP addresses.

Why Protecting Your ASN Matters

An ASN (Autonomous System Number) refers to a group of IP networks that share a common routing policy. If left unprotected, an ASN becomes highly vulnerable to attack. Malicious botnets often exploit vulnerable ASNs to deliver harmful traffic.

Key Mitigation Strategies:

Filtering traffic from suspicious or known-malicious ASNs
Utilizing professional firewalls and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems
Properly configuring DNS and core network infrastructure

Best Practices for DDoS Protection

1. Resilient Network Architecture:

Deploy servers across distributed data centers
Avoid single points of failure

2. Secure Routers:

Block unsafe protocols like Telnet and ICMP

3. Advanced Firewalls & IPS:

Ensure firewalls can handle high traffic volumes
Detect and block malicious traffic patterns

4. Collaboration with ISPs:

Work with your internet provider to block unnecessary traffic
Implement methods like blackholing where appropriate

5. Web Application Firewall (WAF):

Defend against Layer 7 (application layer) attacks

6. Partner with DDoS Mitigation Services:

Consider companies such as CloudFlare, Akamai, or Incapsula

7. DNS Hardening:

Use DNSSEC for DNS infrastructure security
Utilize tools like Netflix’s Denominator for multi-DNS management

8. Red Team Security Testing:

Simulate DDoS scenarios using tools like HULK, hping3, and GoldenEye
Identify and fix vulnerabilities before real-world attacks

Conclusion

There is no single solution for defending against DDoS attacks. A layered security approach involving infrastructure, software, and training provides the most effective defense. Proactively identifying weaknesses can help prevent serious damage before it occurs

Source: MedadPress
www.medadpress.ir