Monitoring network traffic and system performance

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 137 views

NCSC Guidance Feed: Preparing for Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks in the Run-up to the 2019 General Election

As the 2019 General Election approaches, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has issued guidance to help organisations prepare for and respond to Denial of Service (DoS) attacks. In recent weeks, several political party websites have been targeted by DoS attacks, highlighting the need for organisations to take proactive steps to protect themselves against these types of threats.

Understanding Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks

A Denial of Service (DoS) attack occurs when an attacker attempts to make a computer or network resource unavailable by overwhelming it with traffic or requests. This can be done through various means, including flooding the system with traffic from multiple sources, exploiting vulnerabilities in the system, or using malware to launch the attack. DoS attacks can be particularly damaging to organisations, as they can disrupt critical services, compromise sensitive data, and damage an organisation's reputation.

5 Practical Steps to Prepare for and Respond to DoS Attacks

In light of the recent attacks on political party websites, the NCSC has provided a summary of 5 practical steps that organisations can take to prepare for and respond to DoS attacks:

1. Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF)

A Web Application Firewall (WAF) is a security system that monitors and filters incoming traffic to a web application, blocking malicious traffic and preventing DoS attacks. Implementing a WAF can help organisations protect themselves against DoS attacks by blocking traffic that is known to be malicious. WAFs can be configured to block traffic based on IP address, user agent, and other factors, making it more difficult for attackers to launch a successful DoS attack.

2. Monitor Network Traffic and System Performance

Monitoring network traffic and system performance is critical in detecting and responding to DoS attacks. Organisations should implement systems to monitor network traffic, system performance, and application performance, allowing them to quickly identify and respond to potential DoS attacks. This can include monitoring system logs, network traffic, and application performance metrics, as well as implementing systems to detect and alert on potential DoS attacks.

3. Implement a Content Delivery Network (CDN)

A Content Delivery Network (CDN) is a system that distributes content across multiple servers, reducing the load on a single server and making it more difficult for attackers to launch a successful DoS attack. Implementing a CDN can help organisations protect themselves against DoS attacks by distributing traffic across multiple servers, reducing the load on a single server and making it more difficult for attackers to launch a successful DoS attack.

4. Implement a DDoS Mitigation Service

A DDoS Mitigation Service is a service that provides protection against Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, which are a type of DoS attack that involves multiple sources of traffic. Implementing a DDoS Mitigation Service can help organisations protect themselves against DoS attacks by providing a layer of protection between the organisation's network and the internet. This can include services such as traffic filtering, traffic scrubbing, and traffic shaping.

5. Develop an Incident Response Plan

Developing an incident response plan is critical in responding to DoS attacks. An incident response plan should outline the steps that an organisation will take in the event of a DoS attack, including identifying the attack, containing the attack, eradicating the attack, and recovering from the attack. This can include procedures for identifying and responding to DoS attacks, as well as procedures for containing and eradicating the attack.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the recent DoS attacks on political party websites highlight the need for organisations to take proactive steps to protect themselves against these types of threats. By implementing a Web Application Firewall (WAF), monitoring network traffic and system performance, implementing a Content Delivery Network (CDN), implementing a DDoS Mitigation Service, and developing an incident response plan, organisations can help prepare themselves for and respond to DoS attacks. The NCSC guidance provides a valuable resource for organisations looking to protect themselves against DoS attacks, and we recommend that all organisations take the necessary steps to protect themselves against these types of threats.

Additional Resources

For more information on preparing for and responding to DoS attacks, please see the following resources:

NCSC Guidance: Guidance following recent DoS attacks in the run up to the 2019 General Election
NCSC Guidance: Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks
NCSC Guidance: Incident Response Plan

About the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is the UK's national technical authority for cyber security. The NCSC provides guidance and support to help organisations protect themselves against cyber threats, including DoS attacks. The NCSC works closely with government, industry, and law enforcement to provide a comprehensive approach to cyber security, and provides a range of resources and guidance to help organisations protect themselves against cyber threats.
NCSC Guidance Feed: Preparing for Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks in the Run-up to the 2019 General Election - Q&A

In our previous article, we discussed the 5 practical steps that organisations can take to prepare for and respond to Denial of Service (DoS) attacks. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about DoS attacks and how to prepare for and respond to them.

Q: What is a Denial of Service (DoS) attack?

A: A Denial of Service (DoS) attack occurs when an attacker attempts to make a computer or network resource unavailable by overwhelming it with traffic or requests. This can be done through various means, including flooding the system with traffic from multiple sources, exploiting vulnerabilities in the system, or using malware to launch the attack.

Q: What are the different types of DoS attacks?

A: There are several types of DoS attacks, including:

Flooding attacks: These occur when an attacker sends a large amount of traffic to a system, overwhelming it and making it unavailable.
Smurf attacks: These occur when an attacker sends a large amount of traffic to a system, using a network of compromised systems to amplify the attack.
Ping of death attacks: These occur when an attacker sends a large amount of traffic to a system, using a network of compromised systems to amplify the attack.
SYN flood attacks: These occur when an attacker sends a large amount of traffic to a system, using a network of compromised systems to amplify the attack.

Q: How can I protect myself against DoS attacks?

A: There are several steps you can take to protect yourself against DoS attacks, including:

Implementing a Web Application Firewall (WAF): A WAF can help protect your system against DoS attacks by blocking malicious traffic.
Monitoring network traffic and system performance: Monitoring your system's performance and network traffic can help you detect and respond to DoS attacks.
Implementing a Content Delivery Network (CDN): A CDN can help distribute traffic across multiple servers, reducing the load on a single server and making it more difficult for attackers to launch a successful DoS attack.
Implementing a DDoS Mitigation Service: A DDoS Mitigation Service can provide a layer of protection between your system and the internet, helping to block malicious traffic.

Q: What should I do if I am experiencing a DoS attack?

A: If you are experiencing a DoS attack, there are several steps you can take to respond to the attack, including:

Identifying the attack: Determine the type of attack and the source of the attack.
Containing the attack: Take steps to contain the attack, such as blocking traffic from the source of the attack.
Eradicating the attack: Take steps to eradicate the attack, such as removing malware or patching vulnerabilities.
Recovering from the attack: Take steps to recover from the attack, such as restoring data and rebuilding systems.

Q: How can I prevent DoS attacks?

A: There are several steps you can take to prevent DoS attacks, including:

Implementing security patches: Regularly apply security patches to your system to prevent vulnerabilities from being exploited.
Implementing a firewall: A firewall can help block malicious traffic and prevent DoS attacks.
Implementing a intrusion detection system: An intrusion detection system can help detect and respond to DoS attacks.
Implementing a security information and event management (SIEM) system: A SIEM system can help monitor and analyze system activity, helping to detect and respond to DoS attacks.

Q: What is the role of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) in responding to DoS attacks?

A: The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is the UK's national technical authority for cyber security. The NCSC provides guidance and support to help organisations protect themselves against cyber threats, including DoS attacks. The NCSC works closely with government, industry, and law enforcement to provide a comprehensive approach to cyber security, and provides a range of resources and guidance to help organisations protect themselves against cyber threats.

Conclusion

In conclusion, DoS attacks can have a significant impact on organisations, disrupting critical services and compromising sensitive data. By understanding the different types of DoS attacks, implementing security measures to protect against them, and responding quickly and effectively to an attack, organisations can help protect themselves against these types of threats. The NCSC guidance provides a valuable resource for organisations looking to protect themselves against DoS attacks, and we recommend that all organisations take the necessary steps to protect themselves against these types of threats.

Additional Resources

For more information on preparing for and responding to DoS attacks, please see the following resources:

NCSC Guidance: Guidance following recent DoS attacks in the run up to the 2019 General Election
NCSC Guidance: Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks
NCSC Guidance: Incident Response Plan

About the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)