What does the acronym DDoS stand for in cybersecurity context?

In the context of cybersecurity, the acronym DDoS stands for Distributed Denial of Service. This term refers to a type of cyber attack where multiple compromised computer systems are used to target a single system, usually a server or network resource, with overwhelming traffic. The goal of a DDoS attack is to render the targeted service unavailable to its intended users by flooding it with excessive requests, thereby exhausting the resources of the target and causing legitimate traffic to be blocked or severely restricted.

The "distributed" aspect of DDoS attacks highlights that these attacks originate from a large number of systems—often part of a botnet—making it difficult to defend against or mitigate, as the attack traffic can come from many different locations through various internet-connected devices. This is a crucial element, as it differentiates DDoS from simpler forms of denial of service attacks, which may come from a single source. Understanding the mechanics of DDoS attacks is essential for cybersecurity professionals in order to implement effective preventive measures and to ensure system resilience against such threats.