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Topic starter 16/08/2025 8:27 pm
An Application Layer DDoS attack—also known as a Layer 7 DDoS attack—is a type of cyberattack that targets the top layer of the OSI model, where web applications operate. These attacks are especially dangerous because they mimic legitimate user behavior, making them hard to detect and block.
🧠 What Makes Application DDoS Unique?
- Targets the application itself, not just the network.
- Consumes server resources like CPU, memory, and database queries.
- Requires less bandwidth than other DDoS types but can be more disruptive.
🚨 Common Application DDoS Techniques
| Attack Type | How It Works | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| HTTP Flood | Overloads the server with HTTP GET/POST requests | Slows or crashes websites |
| Slowloris | Opens many connections and keeps them alive with partial requests | Exhausts server connection pool |
| Cache Bypass | Sends requests that avoid cached content | Forces server to regenerate pages repeatedly |
| API Abuse | Bombards APIs with requests | Disrupts backend services |
These attacks often come from botnets—networks of infected devices that act like real users.
🛡️ How to Defend Against Application DDoS
- Web Application Firewalls (WAFs): Filter and block malicious traffic.
- Rate Limiting: Restrict how often users can make requests.
- Bot Management: Detect and block known bad bots.
- Geo-filtering: Block traffic from suspicious regions.
- Custom Rules: Identify and block traffic patterns that match known attack signatures.
