Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks are malicious attempts to disrupt the normal traffic of a targeted server, service, or network by overwhelming it with a flood of internet traffic. According to Zayo Group’s biannual DDoS Insights Report, there was a significant 82% increase in DDoS attack frequency from 2023 to 2024, with incidents rising from 90,000 to 165,000.
AI and IoT: Catalysts for Increased Attacks
The integration of AI and the widespread adoption of IoT devices have been identified as key factors contributing to this surge. Cybercriminals now utilize AI to automate and amplify attacks, making them faster and more persistent. Additionally, the vast number of IoT devices, many with weak security protocols, provide an extensive network of vulnerable points that attackers can exploit to create large botnets. Max Clauson, Senior Vice President of Network Connectivity at Zayo, stated, “We’re seeing attackers use larger botnets of compromised IoT devices and AI to drastically increase the scale of attacks.”
Financial Impact on Businesses
When a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack takes down your website, there can be some serious financial consequences. According to recent research, DDoS attacks cost businesses an average of $234,000 per incident, with an average attack lasting 39 minutes and costing $6,000 per minute. In addition, the disruption of services caused by DDoS attacks can damage a business’s reputation and lead to customer dissatisfaction. The costs of this type of attack can be devastating to a business.
Industry-Specific Findings
The report highlights varying impacts across different sectors:
- Finance: Experienced the largest year-over-year growth in attack volume, increasing from 3.5% to 7% of all attacks.
- Telecommunications: It remains the most targeted sector, accounting for 42% of all incidents in 2024, a decrease from 48% in 2023.
- Cloud and SaaS Companies Saw a rise in attacks, comprising 11% of all incidents and over 19,000 attacks throughout the year.
- Healthcare: Noted a 223% increase in the total number of attacks between 2023 and 2024.
- Manufacturing: Continues to be a significant target, with the average attack size growing by 257% from 2023 to 2024.
Emerging Trends and Future Outlook
The report also indicates an expected rise in DDoS-as-a-Service offerings, enabling individuals with limited technical skills to conduct attacks. This development could lead to more attacks and various attack methods. As AI and automation evolve, the sophistication and frequency of DDoS attacks are anticipated to increase, posing ongoing challenges for businesses across all sectors.
Mitigation Strategies
Businesses are encouraged to invest in robust DDoS mitigation strategies to combat this growing threat. Implementing scalable protection measures, conducting regular security assessments, and educating staff about cybersecurity best practices are essential steps in safeguarding critical infrastructure and ensuring long-term data security. The integration of AI and the expansion of IoT devices have significantly transformed the cybersecurity landscape, leading to a marked increase in DDoS attacks. As these technologies continue to advance, it is imperative for businesses to proactively enhance their security measures to protect against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
