Recently, I faced an unexpected challenge when one of my client’s websites came under a DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack. Despite lacking prior experience in handling such situations, I managed to neutralize the threat within half an hour. Here’s a step-by-step account of how I achieved this:
1. Monitoring Server Load: I began by tracking the server’s performance using tools like top and docker stats. This helped me identify unusual spikes in resource usage, confirming the presence of a DDoS attack.
2. Analyzing Access Logs: Next, I examined the access.log files to pinpoint the IP addresses generating the malicious traffic. This analysis allowed me to identify the primary sources of the attack.
3. Activating Web Application Firewall (WAF): To provide an immediate layer of defense, I enabled the Web Application Firewall. This action helped filter out malicious requests and reduced the load on the server.
4. Blocking Malicious IPs: Using the information gathered from the access logs, I blocked the identified IP addresses to prevent further malicious requests from reaching the server.
5. Implementing Rate Limiting: To deter future attacks, I set up rate limiting on the server. This measure restricted the number of requests a single IP could make within a specific timeframe, effectively mitigating potential DDoS attempts.
This experience taught me the importance of quick thinking and utilizing available tools to address unforeseen challenges. It also highlighted the value of continuous learning and adaptability in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity.
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*This blog post is inspired by Olga Svitli’s recent experience, as shared on her Threads account.*
