What is DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service)?
A Distributed Denial of Service attack floods a website, server or network with traffic from thousands of compromised devices, overwhelming it so legitimate users cannot get through. Attackers use DDoS to extort businesses, disrupt competitors or distract IT teams while other attacks take place.
Why DDoS matters for Australian businesses
With cyberattacks on Australian businesses increasing year on year, understanding your security tools and strategies is critical. The Australian Cyber Security Centre reports an attack every six minutes, and small and medium businesses are increasingly targeted. Having the right defences in place is not optional — it is essential for protecting your data, your clients, and your reputation.
For small and medium businesses in particular, understanding DDoS is essential to maintaining a secure, efficient, and resilient IT environment. Whether you are reviewing your current defences or planning improvements, knowing how these threats work and how to stop them will help you have more informed conversations with your IT provider and make better decisions for your business.
Related terms
Firewall • DNS • Incident Response
How All IT Services can help
At All IT Services, we help businesses across Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and regional NSW defend against DDoS as part of our comprehensive cybersecurity solutions. If you have questions about how this fits into your IT strategy, contact our team for a no-obligation consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DDoS attack?
A DDoS attack uses a network of compromised devices to flood a target with traffic, knocking websites or services offline so genuine customers and staff cannot use them.
How long do DDoS attacks last?
Anywhere from minutes to days. Even short attacks can be costly if they hit e-commerce, booking systems or remote access during business hours.
How can my business protect against DDoS?
Use DDoS mitigation services (often built into CDNs and major cloud platforms), keep DNS with a resilient provider, and have an incident response plan that covers outages.