🔆Current Context: A DDoS attack crippled the Kaveri 2.0 portal, used for property registrations in Karnataka, highlighting the vulnerability of online services to cyberattacks. 📍DDoS Attack on Kaveri 2.0: ✅Impact: Sporadic server outages in January, significant registration fall on Feb 1 & 4. ✅Cause: Malicious DDoS attack using automated tools/bots. ✅Investigation: Cybercrime police registered a case under IT Act 2000. ✅Details: Fake accounts created, entries made to database, overwhelming system. 62 email accounts from 14 IP addresses. ✅Specific Event: 6.2 lakh requests in 2 hours for Encumbrance Certificate searches using random keywords. 📍What is a DDoS Attack? ✅Disruption: Malicious attempt to disrupt normal functioning of a server/service. ✅Mechanism: Overwhelming target with internet traffic from multiple compromised systems (botnet). ✅Difference from DoS: DoS uses single source, DDoS uses multiple sources. ✅Potential Damage: Service downtime, revenue loss, reputational damage, distraction for other cyberattacks. 📍Mitigation Measures: ✅Traffic Filtering: Advanced mechanisms to distinguish legitimate and malicious traffic. ✅Monitoring Tools: Identify unusual traffic patterns and take pre-emptive actions. ✅Rate Limiting: Control requests a user can make in a given time frame. ✅Bot Detection: CAPTCHA, behavioral analysis to block automated tools. ✅Authentication: Robust mechanisms, regular security audits. ✅Collaboration: Work with cybersecurity agencies, share information. ✅Dedicated Team: Monitor and respond to security incidents. ✅User Awareness: Educate on phishing and social engineering attacks. 📍Other Notable DDoS Attacks: ✅X (formerly Twitter): Massive DDoS attack in August 2024, causing delays and disruptions. ✅GitHub (2015): China-based botnet targeted projects circumventing Chinese censorship. Possible Questions: ✅Prelims: Which of the following is/are a characteristic(s) of a DDoS attack? It uses a single source to flood a target with traffic. It involves multiple compromised systems (botnet). It can lead to service downtime and revenue loss. (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 ✅Mains: "The increasing frequency and sophistication of DDoS attacks pose a significant threat to the digital infrastructure of governments and businesses." Discuss this statement, highlighting the vulnerabilities exposed by the Kaveri 2.0 incident and suggesting a comprehensive strategy for strengthening cybersecurity in India.