Security News > 2021 > August > DDoS attacks largely target the US and the computers and internet sectors
DDoS attacks are a nuisance to be sure, but they're also used in a variety of ways that make them a severe threat, says Atlas VPN. DDoS attack data presented by Atlas VPN found that attackers prefer the United States and the computers and internet sectors as targets.
In June 2021 alone, more than a third of DDoS attacks worldwide targeted servers in the U.S. DDoS attacks involve using a massive number of internet-connected machines and devices to flood a target server, rendering it unable to keep up with traffic and either making it unusable or taking it offline.
To stop the assault, hackers often request a ransom, making it even harder for the company," said Atlas VPN cybersecurity researcher William S. DDoS attacks are simple in structure and execution, which makes them an even greater threat.
In terms of preferred targets, the computer and internet industry, which Atlas VPN describes as domain providers, web hosts, ISPs, and other online services, was the recipient of 83.2% of all DDoS attacks.
The business and finance sectors were only targeted by 2% and 1%, respectfully, of all DDoS attacks.
In terms of sheer DDoS numbers, the world is generally in a bit of a mid-year lull in which DDoS attacks have been down 38.8%. Don't rely on that lull to keep your organization safe: DDoS attacks may be down this quarter, but they were up 20% overall in 2020, so they're sure to bounce back.