Applikasjonslagangrep

Applikasjonslagangrep, also known as application layer attacks, are a type of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack that target the application layer of the OSI model, which is the layer where user interactions occur. These attacks aim to exhaust the resources of a targeted server, application, or website, rendering it unavailable to its intended users. Unlike network layer attacks, which target the infrastructure, application layer attacks focus on the software and protocols that users interact with directly.

Common techniques used in application layer attacks include HTTP floods, where a large number of HTTP requests are sent to overwhelm the server. Other methods include slowloris, where partial requests are sent to keep connections open for extended periods, and R-U-Dead-Yet (RUDY), which sends a large number of XHTTP/1.1 requests with a long Content-Length header to exhaust server resources.

These attacks can be particularly effective against websites and online services that rely on a small number of servers to handle a large volume of traffic. To mitigate application layer attacks, organizations can implement various countermeasures, such as using Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), implementing rate limiting, and employing Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) to filter and block malicious traffic. Additionally, employing bot detection and CAPTCHA mechanisms can help distinguish between legitimate and malicious users. Understanding the nature of application layer attacks is crucial for developing effective defense strategies and ensuring the availability and reliability of online services.