Source URL: https://blog.cloudflare.com/ddos-threat-report-for-2024-q4/
Source: The Cloudflare Blog
Title: Record-breaking 5.6 Tbps DDoS attack and global DDoS trends for 2024 Q4
Feedly Summary: 2024 ended with a bang. Cloudflare mitigated another record-breaking DDoS attack peaking at 5.6 Tbps.
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The Cloudflare DDoS Threat Report for Q4 of 2024 provides an in-depth analysis of the trends and statistics surrounding DDoS attacks, highlighting a significant increase in attack volume and complexity. The report emphasizes Cloudflare’s robust defense mechanisms and the importance of proactive security strategies for organizations facing evolving cyber threats.
Detailed Description:
The 20th edition of the Cloudflare DDoS Threat Report showcases how the landscape of DDoS attacks has evolved over the past five years, particularly in 2024. Key insights reveal alarming trends, including a record number of attacks and the emergence of sophisticated attack vectors.
– **DDoS Attack Statistics**:
– Cloudflare blocked over 21.3 million DDoS attacks in 2024, with a notable increase of 53% compared to 2023.
– In Q4 alone, there were 6.9 million mitigated attacks, marking a 16% increase QoQ and 83% YoY.
– Record-breaking attacks were noted, including a 5.6 Tbps assault detected over Halloween 2024, the largest reported in history.
– **Types of Attacks**:
– 49% of attacks were Layer 3/Layer 4 (network layer), with the remaining 51% being HTTP DDoS attacks.
– HTTP DDoS attacks primarily utilized known botnets (73%) while additional vectors involved masquerading as legitimate user agents.
– Emerging attack vectors include Memcached and BitTorrent amplification attacks, both reportedly seeing explosive growth.
– **User Agent Insights**:
– Specific user agents such as HITV_ST_PLATFORM (99.9% DDoS requests) and hackney (93%) were highlighted as highly indicative of DDoS traffic.
– The presence of compromised Internet-connected devices, particularly smart TVs and set-top boxes, underscores the importance of securing these devices.
– **Attack Attributes**:
– Attacks showed a distinct preference for specific HTTP methods, with an unusual prevalence of HEAD and DELETE methods being exploited in DDoS efforts.
– The majority of attacks targeted specific paths like the WordPress admin panel, emphasizing the need for endpoint protection.
– **Global and Industry Trends**:
– Indonesia continued to be the leading source of DDoS attacks, with significant activity from autonomous systems in places like Germany and the US.
– The telecommunications and service provider industries were the most frequently targeted sectors, indicating a shift in attacker focus.
– **Proactive Measures and Recommendations**:
– The report advocates for organizations to adopt automated, always-on DDoS protection solutions to counteract the swiftness of attacks.
– It warns of the increasing trend toward Ransom DDoS attacks, particularly during high-traffic periods like Q4, positing that organizations must enhance their security posture proactively.
– **Conclusion**:
– With a growing network capacity that has increased exponentially since 2020, Cloudflare remains committed to providing robust DDoS protection. Their investment in automated defensive strategies is essential for resilience against a continuously evolving threat landscape.
Overall, this report serves as critical intelligence for security professionals, indicating trends that should inform organizational strategies toward proactive security and compliance operations in an increasingly complex cyber environment.