Source URL: https://blog.cloudflare.com/wildfire-fogos-pt-portugal-ddos-attack/
Source: The Cloudflare Blog
Title: How a volunteer-run wildfire site in Portugal stayed online during DDoS attacks
Feedly Summary: Fogos.pt, a volunteer-run wildfire tracker in Portugal, grew from a side project into a critical national resource used by citizens, media, and government. During 2025 fire season it was hit by DDoS
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text discusses the development and security challenges faced by fogos.pt, a volunteer-driven platform that provides real-time updates on wildfires in Portugal. It highlights the significance of Cloudflare’s protections against DDoS attacks during peak wildfire seasons, emphasizing the importance of reliable information and the supportive role of initiatives like Project Galileo in safeguarding public interest services.
Detailed Description:
The narrative revolves around the story of fogos.pt, a platform initiated by João Pina and his friends in 2015 to provide accessible wildfire data, which has now evolved into a critical resource in Portugal’s emergency response framework. This development is particularly timely as it highlights significant security measures related to DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks that threaten its operational integrity.
Key Points include:
– **DDoS Attacks**:
– On July 31 and August 1, 2025, fogos.pt faced DDoS attacks that peaked at 33,000 and 31,000 requests per second, respectively.
– These assaults demonstrated the vulnerability of civic projects like fogos.pt, which could suffer severe operational disruptions without protective measures.
– **Cloudflare’s Role**:
– Cloudflare provided automatic threat detection and mitigation, ensuring that the site remained operational despite the attacks.
– The site leveraged a range of Cloudflare services, from basic DNS to advanced DDoS mitigation tools, crucial for maintaining uptime during traffic surges related to wildfire news.
– **Project Galileo**:
– fogos.pt is part of Project Galileo, which provides free security services to protect public interest projects under threat, underscoring the collaboration between technology and community-driven initiatives.
– The project highlights the idea that such critical platforms can operate successfully on volunteer-driven models while still ensuring robust security protocols.
– **Importance of Reliable Information**:
– The platform’s role is pivotal during wildfires when timely and accurate information can save lives. As interest spikes, the site often experiences heavy user traffic, necessitating effective security measures.
– **Impact of Community Engagement**:
– The site’s success is attributed to community efforts, collaborative partnerships, and volunteer involvement, showcasing how grassroots initiatives can fill gaps in public service.
In summary, fogos.pt serves as a significant case study on the intersection of technology, security, and community service, illustrating how robust defenses against cyber threats are crucial for platforms that play vital roles during emergencies. It underscores the need for continuous support and investment in cybersecurity measures for public service platforms, especially as the frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks continue to rise.