During a DDoS attack, someone overloads a server, service or network’s internet traffic, making it difficult or impossible to use. Rather than one device carrying out a denial-of-service attack, a DDoS attack uses many compromised systems—forming a botnet—to swarm the victim with requests that force it to stop allowing legitimate users to access the service.

On the dark web and in underground markets, illicit DDoS attack services are available so users can rent or purchase attack tools with little technical knowledge. Such services, identified as "booter" or "stresser" services, are easy to use and even easier to pay for, making them attractive for those wishing to carry out destructive attacks. Now that cyberattacks are common, both more incidents and more complex DDoS attacks are occurring.

DDoS can result in websites being shut down, losing cash, suffering reputational harm and being defenceless in front of more attackers. Due to their large use of web-based transactions, industries in finance, e-commerce, gaming and government are often attacked.

Businesses should use several techniques such as screening traffic, limiting load, making use of cloud tools and proper action plans if a DDoS attack happens. Getting to know how DDoS services work helps businesses defend themselves and stay running in this hostile online world.