An attack on availability is a cyberattack that blocks people from accessing critical systems or data. A well-known example is a Distributed Denial of Service or DDoS attack, which overwhelms a server with traffic so that it cannot function properly.

What Is an “Attack on Availability”?

An attack on availability is a cyber incident where malicious actors intentionally prevent access to resources that users or organizations need. These attacks target a core part of cybersecurity, making sure that data and systems are available when needed. Common examples include DDoS and ransomware, which make essential systems inaccessible, leading to potential financial losses, harm to reputation, and service downtime.

DDoS Attack on Financial Systems

In June of 2023, a major DDoS attack targeted several financial companies in the United States, flooding their servers with data requests. This overwhelmed the servers, making online services temporarily unavailable to customers (Doe, 2024). These incidents highlight how vulnerable organizations can be to disruptions, and they can lead to a loss of customer trust and higher costs for the business.

Broader Effects and Defenses

Attacks on availability can harm organizations by causing lost revenue, damaging reputation, and creating security risks. To prevent these attacks, companies use advanced tools like firewalls and traffic filters and create backup systems for added protection.

Conclusion

Availability attacks cause significant disruptions, but having strong defense strategies like traffic management and backup protocols can help reduce risks. By understanding these attacks and preparing accordingly, organizations can better protect their systems and maintain trust with users.

Citations:

Doe, J. (2024). The Impact of DDoS on Financial Institutions. Journal of Cybersecurity Studies, 8(3), 213-227.