What is a common form of cyber attack that uses a network of compromised systems?

A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack is a prevalent form of cyber attack that utilizes a network of compromised systems, commonly referred to as a botnet. In a DDoS attack, the attacker orchestrates a large volume of traffic from multiple sources to overwhelm a targeted system, such as a web server, causing it to become slow or completely inaccessible to legitimate users. This massive influx of traffic is made possible because the compromised systems, or bots, act in unison to bombard the target with requests, effectively disrupting its ability to function correctly.

Understanding DDoS attacks is crucial in cybersecurity, as they can lead to significant downtime for organizations, financial losses, and damage to reputation. Recognizing that DDoS attacks are distinct in their method—leveraging a distributed set of compromised devices—is important, especially when differentiating them from approaches that involve single points of attack or social manipulation tactics, such as social engineering or phishing, which do not require a network of compromised systems.