HTTP Flood: Definition, Explanation & Examples

HTTP Flood: What is it?

HTTP Flood is a type of DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack in which an attacker attempts to bring down a server by sending a large number of HTTP requests to it. The aim is to overload the server resources, which can lead to a delay or complete inaccessibility of the web service. This type of attack is particularly dangerous as it is often difficult to detect and can mimic legitimate traffic.

How does an HTTP flood attack work?

An HTTP flood attack is usually carried out by exploiting botnets consisting of compromised devices. These bots send massive amounts of HTTP requests to a target system. Different types of requests can be used, including

• GET requests: The most common requests where data is requested from the server.
• POST requests: These requests send data to the server, for example to fill in formulations.
• Apache benchmark requests: These are requests based on similar stress tests.

Why is the HTTP flood attack dangerous?

HTTP flood attacks are dangerous for several reasons:

• Difficult to detect: because the requests often mimic legitimate traffic, they can be difficult to detect and can blend in with real user traffic.
• Resource overload: They can result in servers no longer being able to process legitimate requests.
• Cost: Organisations affected by an HTTP Flood attack can suffer significant costs due to the loss of revenue and the need to protect their systems.

How can you protect yourself from HTTP flood attacks?

An active defence strategy is crucial to protect against HTTP Flood attacks. Measures include:

• Firewall configuration: a well-configured firewall can block suspicious requests and identify legitimate traffic.
• Rate limiting: By implementing restrictions on the number of requests per IP address, attacks can be limited.
• Content Delivery Network (CDN): A CDN can help to distribute traffic and reduce server load.
• Monitoring tools: Tools for monitoring data traffic can help to quickly recognise and react to anomalies.

Illustrative example on the topic: HTTP flood

Imagine a small company runs an e-commerce website. One day, the company notices that the website is running extremely slowly and is ultimately no longer accessible. After analysing the situation, it turns out that a competitor has initiated an HTTP flood attack to divert potential customers away from the website. Using a botnet, they were sending thousands of requests per minute to the company's servers. Fortunately, the company had already taken some security precautions and is able to fend off the attack and restore the website's availability through rate limiting and a good firewall.

Conclusion

HTTP flood is a serious threat to any online presence. A sound security concept that includes proactive measures to defend against these attacks is essential. By implementing robust security measures, organisations can significantly reduce the risks. If you would like to learn more about related topics, you can also read our article on cybersecurity or DDoS attacks.