How to Protect Your Online Store from DDoS Attacks

Imagine a crowded supermarket during rush hour. Customers are all over—some are picking products, others are heading to checkout, and more are still coming in. Suddenly, the doors shut, the lights go out, and the registers stop working. Inside, chaos ensues, and outside, frustrated customers head to the next supermarket.

This mirrors what happens when an e-commerce site faces a DDoS attack. Sales grind to a halt, the company’s reputation takes a hit, and customers move to competitors. So, how can you prevent this from happening to your online store? Let’s explore further.

The Growing Threat to Online Retail

E-commerce is one of the top three industries most frequently targeted by DDoS attacks, and the trend is only increasing. In fact, data from 2023 shows that the number of such incidents in online retail jumped by 83% (as reported in the annual StormWall DDoS report).

These attacks peak during seasonal sales, often right before holidays like New Year’s, Christmas or Easter. The reason behind the surge in attacks is straightforward — online retail is booming. With competition intensifying and the volume of online transactions growing, websites and mobile apps, which often have vulnerabilities, become easy targets for cybercriminals.

Adding to the challenge, launching a DDoS attack has become relatively simple. Virtually anyone, even a schoolchild, can access tools and software on the dark web to execute such an attack.

One of the primary drivers behind these attacks is unethical competition. Competitors may attempt to bring down a rival’s website, stealing their customers and boosting their own sales.

Learn more: Why DDoS Attacks Happen. Reasons and Psychology Behind DDoS

During a DDoS attack, hackers often exploit the disruption to access sensitive information, such as customer and employee data. This stolen data is then sold on the dark web or transferred to competitors for a fee.

Extortion is another common tactic. Hackers may demand a ransom to stop an attack or threaten to launch one unless paid. Regardless of the motive, online retailers face significant losses.

Reducing the Risk

Prevention is key when it comes to DDoS attacks. It is often far more cost-effective to invest in protection upfront than to deal with the fallout after an attack.

One of the most effective ways to separate legitimate customer requests from malicious traffic is through filtering tools like Web Application Firewalls (WAF). WAFs not only protect against DDoS attacks but also safeguard from other threats, including SQL injections, brute-force attacks, cross-site scripting (XSS), and Remote Code Execution (RCE).

In addition, anti-bot tools can help protect online stores from automated bots and competitor-driven activities like unauthorized price hikes or product scalping.

However, it’s essential to remember that even the best tools need skilled handling. That’s why many e-commerce companies prefer comprehensive solutions that come with expert support to ensure their systems are well protected.

Under Attack? Here’s What to Do

If you suspect your website or app is already under a DDoS attack, early detection is crucial. Some warning signs include:

• A sudden spike in requests from certain IP addresses
• The website displaying a 503 error
• Ping requests timing out (TTL issues)
• Noticeably slower connections
• Unusual traffic spikes in log analysis

Learn more: How to Detect а DDoS Attack in Time

If any of these signs appear, it’s essential to contact a specialized DDoS protection provider immediately. They can quickly implement the necessary solutions to mitigate the attack and help reduce future risks.

In summary, DDoS attacks represent a serious threat to online retailers. However, by implementing robust preventative measures and responding swiftly when an attack occurs, you can significantly reduce potential damage and protect your business's reputation and customer trust.

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