DDoS attacks targeting critical infrastructure

NETSCOUT released its 2H2024 DDoS Threat Intelligence Report, revealing how Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks have become a dominant means of waging cyberwarfare linked to sociopolitical events such as elections, civil protests and policy disputes. The findings show how attackers exploit moments of national vulnerability to amplify chaos and erode trust in institutions, as they target the critical infrastructure of governments, commercial entities and service providers.

Throughout the year, DDoS attacks were intricately tied to social and political events, including Israel experiencing a 2,844 percent surge linked to hostage rescues and political conflicts, Georgia enduring a 1,489 percent increase during the lead-up to the passage of the “Russia Bill,” Mexico having a 218 percent increase during national elections, and the United Kingdom experiencing a 152 percent increase on the day the Labour Party resumed session in Parliament.

“DDoS has emerged as the go-to tool for cyberwarfare,” stated Richard Hummel, director, threat intelligence, NETSCOUT. “NoName057(16) continues to be the leading actor for politically motivated DDoS campaigns targeting governments, infrastructure and organisations. In 2024, they repeatedly targeted government services in the United Kingdom, Belgium and Spain.”

AI and automation drive scale and impact

DDoS-for-hire services have become more powerful using AI for CAPTCHA bypassing, with about 9 in 10 platforms now offering this capability. Additionally, many employ automation to enable dynamic, multi-target campaigns and offer infrastructure exploitation techniques such as carpet bombing, geo-spoofing, and IPv6 to expand attack surfaces. Even the most novice operators can launch significant DDoS attack campaigns causing substantial harm.

Botnets playing a bigger role

Enterprise servers and routers have been exploited to intensify attacks and make remediation more challenging. Overall botnet populations declined by 5 percent but demonstrated strong resiliency despite concerted takedown efforts. Law enforcement takedown efforts, like Operation PowerOFF, continue to target DDoS-for-hire services but only momentarily disrupt attack platforms as new platforms take their place. The long-term impact is uncertain as attackers adapt and reconstitute their networks, with no significant decline in global attack volume.

DDoS attacks are adaptive and persistent

DDoS attacks are evolving and adapting faster than ever, creating a challenge for defenders and those entrusted with protecting critical infrastructure networks and service availability. Enterprises, government organisations, and service providers are all targets for DDoS attacks. Successful strategies must deploy proactive intelligence-driven methodologies and automation to mitigate modern-day DDoS attacks effectively. Staying ahead of new threats demands that organisations outmanoeuvre an adversary that can force multiply its strength, speed, intelligence, and persistence like nothing the world has ever seen.

Unparalleled attack visibility

NETSCOUT maps the DDoS landscape through passive, active and reactive vantage points, providing unparalleled visibility into global attack trends. NETSCOUT protects two-thirds of the routed IPv4 space, securing network edges that carried global peak traffic of over 700 Tbps in 2H2024. It monitors tens of thousands of daily DDoS attacks by tracking multiple botnets and DDoS-for-hire services that leverage millions of abused or compromised devices.

To read more news and exclusives, see our latest issue here.

Never miss a story… Follow us on:
LinkedIn: Security Buyer
Twitter (X): @SecurityBuyer
Facebook: @Secbuyer

Media Contact
Rebecca Morpeth Spayne,
Editor, Security Portfolio
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922
Email: [email protected]

About Security Buyer

Security Buyer is the leading authority in global security content, delivering expert news, in-depth articles, exclusive interviews, and industry insights across print, digital, and event platforms. Published 10 times a year, the magazine is a trusted resource for professionals seeking updates and analysis on the latest developments in the security sector.

To submit an article, or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact our team below.

Rebecca Spayne picture 2025

Rebecca Spayne

Managing
EDITOR

Georgina Turner image

Georgina Turner

Sales
Manager

Afua Akoto image - Security Buyer

Afua Akoto

Marketing Manager

Read the Latest Issue

Follow us on X

Follow us on X

Click Here

Follow us on LinkedIn

Follow us on LinkedIn

Click Here

Advertise here

Reach decision makers and amplify your marketing

Advertise here

Click Here

Related News

OneLink

Product Spotlight – Gallagher’s OneLink

Gallagher Security presents, OneLink – the product that is elevating remote security through the power of the cloud 
Pinaccle systems

Pinnacle Systems further supports Installers and System Integrators

Pinnacle Systems has launched the Pinnacle Partner Programme, a new initiative designed to provide enhanced support for installers…
Stephen Tickle

Comelit-PAC Appoints Stephen Tickle as Regional Sales Manager

Comelit-PAC has appointed Stephen Tickle as its new Regional Sales Manager.  Stephen will focus on supporting PAC’s access control…
Intersec Saudi

Intersec Saudi Arabia returns with record exhibition space

Intersec Saudi Arabia, the premier industry platform for security, safety and fire protection, will return to the Riyadh…
Abloy UK

Abloy Academy breaks attendance records

Abloy UK has achieved record breaking attendance at its Academy, with more professionals than ever attending its…
Hikvision

Hikvision Introduces X-ray Baggage Inspection System

Hikvision India has recently introduced X-ray Baggage Inspection System with AI- enabled Intelligent Recognition Capabilities…
GBV

IFPO Column: The Quiet Signals of Danger

Yoyo Hamblen of IFPO and Gary Simpson, Nonverbal and Behavioural specialist discuss the important topic of Gender-Based Violence..
Doorbird Carousel

Product Spotlight – Door Communication for the “Neue Wallufer”

 A customised solution case study for a residential complex is presented by DoorBird and CompuNet Systems GmbH 
suprema

Suprema Achieves EN 60839 Certification

Suprema, a global provider of AI-powered access control and security solutions, has achieved EN 60839-11-1:2013 Grade 3 certification
ASSA ABLOY

Electric locks are a vital component in digital access

To protect the important openings in their buildings, organizations need locks they can trust. This means more than just strength…
Scroll to Top