SOCA attack highlights DDoS threat

The website of the UK's Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) has been taken offline following a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack.

This is not the first time the site has been targeted – it was forced offline through similar tactics in June 2011.

Rob Cotton, CEO of NCC Group, comments: “DDoS attacks are the most common type of cyber attack, because they're straightforward to execute. It’s estimated that over two thirds of DDoS attacks are committed either to make an ideological or political statement – so-called ‘hacktivism’, or to commit digital vandalism.

“Although they don't pose a risk in terms of data security, their impact can be massive. If a commercial site is offline, companies are effectively turning away customers and losing revenue. Reputation for reliability and customer service are also at risk. Any website is susceptible, and an 'it won't happen to me' attitude is extraordinary naïve.

“It’s not enough for organisations to invest in preventative services and then sit back and relax – defences must also be tested regularly. Anything less and they’re leaving themselves wide open to attack.”