A DDoS not considered a classic “hacking attack”
Piotr Klepuszewski
Director General @ CyberSentinelSolutionsLTD | Kali Linux Expert
A DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack is not always classified as a hacking attack because its goal is not to gain access to systems or compromise them, but rather to disrupt the availability of services. In DDoS attacks, the attacker floods the target with a huge amount of traffic, overwhelming the servers or network, making the service unavailable to regular users.
Here are a few reasons why DDoS is often not considered a classic “hacking attack”:
1. No system breach: Hacking attacks usually involve breaking into a system, taking control, or stealing data. In DDoS, the goal is simply to overwhelm the system without interfering with its internal functions.
2. Ease of execution: Many DDoS attacks can be carried out using pre-built tools, which do not require deep technical knowledge. This means that individuals without advanced hacking skills can perform such attacks.
3. No permanent effects: In classic hacking attacks, the aim is often to gain access to sensitive data or install malware. A DDoS attack can disrupt system operations, but it usually doesn’t leave lasting effects, as the system can return to normal once the attack ends.
This doesn’t mean that DDoS is less dangerous—it can cause significant financial, reputational, and technical damage—but from a technical standpoint, it doesn’t involve breaking security or requiring in-depth knowledge of how systems work.