- Number of DDoS Attacks Continues to Grow, Akamai Reports
- DDoS Attacks Increase Year Over Year
- Gaming Is the Top Target
- Germany Is a Top Source for DDoS Attacks
- Average Target Hit 29 Times by DDoS Attacks
- SQL Injection Remains Top Web Application Attack
- U.S. Is Top Source of Web Application Attacks
- U.S. Is Top Target for Web Application Attacks
Number of DDoS Attacks Continues to Grow, Akamai Reports
In the fourth quarter of 2017, the number of cyber-attacks once again grew, according to Akamai’s 4Q17 State of the Internet / Security Report, which it released on Feb. 20. The 28-page report revealed that the total number of distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks increased in the fourth quarter of 2017 by 14 percent on a year-over-year basis. Looking at the frequency of attacks, Akamai reported that the average number of DDoS attacks per target in the fourth quarter was 29. The online gaming industry continued to be the top target for DDoS attacks, attracting 79 percent of DDoS attacks during the quarter. Looking at web application attacks, Akamai reported that SQL injection continues to be the leading attack method. In this slide show, eWEEK looks at highlights from the 4Q17 State of the Internet / Security Report.
DDoS Attacks Increase Year Over Year
According to Akamai, there was a 14 percent increase in the total number of DDoS attacks in Q4 2017 vs. Q4 2016.
Gaming Is the Top Target
DDoS attacks can impact any industry, though more often than not, it is the gaming industry that is the primary target. In the fourth quarter of 2017, 79 percent of DDoS attacks seen by Akamai were against the online gaming industry.
Germany Is a Top Source for DDoS Attacks
Looking at the sources of DDoS attacks, Germany was the top location for DDoS source IP addresses in the fourth quarter.
Average Target Hit 29 Times by DDoS Attacks
Akamai reported that the average number of DDoS attacks per target in the fourth quarter of 2017 was 29, down from 36 in the third quarter of 2017.
SQL Injection Remains Top Web Application Attack
SQL injection (SQLi) attacks accounted for 50 percent of all web application attacks in the fourth quarter of 2017.
U.S. Is Top Source of Web Application Attacks
Nearly a third (32 percent) of web application attacks originated in the U.S. during the fourth quarter of 2017.
U.S. Is Top Target for Web Application Attacks
The U.S. also remained the top target for web application attacks at the end of 2017. The Akamai report noted that many organizations maintain their web presence in the U.S., even if they are international companies.