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DDoS Smokescreen Attacks: The Real Threat Is Hidden

Posted: December 5, 2016 to News.

Tags: Malware, Data Breach, Compliance

The general consensus up to this point has been that when hackers commit a Distributed Denial of Service  (DDoS) attack, they were taking down networks and system as a way to get attention. It turns out that is actually true, but not for the reasons people originally thought. Apparently, while a business is busy handling the DDoS attack, the hackers are using it as a smokescreen to cover other types of attacks. The findings were released by Kaspersky Labs in a report polling businesses on their past cybersecurity issues. Over half of businesses said a DDoS attack was used as a distraction for something else with 29% saying it was only part of a larger attack and another quarter saying they lost data as a result. It appears that hackers have learned that a DDoS is a great way to keep an IT team busy. While IT resources are distracted with trying to fix the problem, hackers can use it to cover intrusions using other vectors like social engineering and spear phishing. The best way for businesses and organizations to prepare for this type of DDoS attack is to train their employees to be able to recognize social engineering attacks and phishing emails. It’s also a good idea for everyone to be running the latest version of their operating system and that their anti-malware software is up to date. Every organization should have their email gateways scan and block any malicious code it comes across. Finally, don’t download anything from or click on a link in a message from an email address you don’t recognize.

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About the Author

Craig Petronella, CEO and Founder of Petronella Technology Group
CEO, Founder & AI Architect, Petronella Technology Group

Craig Petronella founded Petronella Technology Group in 2002 and has spent more than 30 years working at the intersection of cybersecurity, AI, compliance, and digital forensics. He holds the CMMC Registered Practitioner credential (RP-1372) issued by the Cyber AB, is an NC Licensed Digital Forensics Examiner (License #604180-DFE), and completed MIT Professional Education programs in AI, Blockchain, and Cybersecurity. Craig also holds CompTIA Security+, CCNA, and Hyperledger certifications.

He is an Amazon #1 Best-Selling Author of 15+ books on cybersecurity and compliance, host of the Encrypted Ambition podcast (95+ episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon), and a cybersecurity keynote speaker with 200+ engagements at conferences, law firms, and corporate boardrooms. Craig serves as Contributing Editor for Cybersecurity at NC Triangle Attorney at Law Magazine and is a guest lecturer at NCCU School of Law. He has served as a digital forensics expert witness in federal and state court cases involving cybercrime, cryptocurrency fraud, SIM-swap attacks, and data breaches.

Under his leadership, Petronella Technology Group has served 2,500+ clients, maintained a zero-breach record among compliant clients, earned a BBB A+ rating every year since 2003, and been featured as a cybersecurity authority on CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, and WRAL. The company leverages SOC 2 Type II certified platforms and specializes in AI implementation, managed cybersecurity, CMMC/HIPAA/SOC 2 compliance, and digital forensics for businesses across the United States.

CMMC-RP NC Licensed DFE MIT Certified CompTIA Security+ Expert Witness 15+ Books
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