Explainer: All you need to know about the cyber attack in Kenya

How to prevent a DDoS attack

Preventing DDoS attacks can be challenging, but here are some simple steps you can take to reduce the risk:

Consider using specialized DDoS protection services offered by various providers. These services can detect and filter out malicious traffic before it reaches your website.

Ensure your online services are hosted on a scalable infrastructure that can handle sudden spikes in traffic. This makes it harder for attackers to overwhelm your system.

Configure firewalls and routers to block suspicious traffic and limit the number of connections from a single source.

Implement rate limiting to restrict the number of requests from a single IP address or user within a certain time frame. This can help prevent overwhelming your system with excessive requests.

Use anomaly detection tools to identify unusual patterns in traffic behavior. This can help you spot potential DDoS attacks early.

Utilize Central Depository System (CDS) services to distribute traffic across multiple servers. These services can help distribute the load and mitigate the impact of a DDoS attack.

Ensure you regularly update your software, including operating systems, web servers, and applications. Patching known vulnerabilities can prevent attackers from exploiting them.

Set up traffic filtering rules to block known malicious IP addresses or known patterns associated with DDoS attacks.

Develop a comprehensive incident response plan that outlines how your team will respond to a DDoS attack. This ensures a quick and coordinated response if an attack occurs.

Train your employees about DDoS attacks and cybersecurity best practices. Employees should be aware of social engineering tactics that attackers might use to gain access to your network.

Remember, while these measures can help reduce the risk of a DDoS attack, no solution is entirely foolproof. Therefore, it's essential to continuously monitor your systems and adapt your defenses as new threats emerge.