Types of Cyber Attacks: DDoS Attacks
This article explains what a DDoS attack is and how to manage if your organisation is attacked.
A DoS attack is a denial of service attack. It occurs when users are denied access to computer services or resources, usually by overloading the service with requests. Your server or your website will be repeatedly bombarded with requests for information or resources. This overwhelms the system making it unusable and unavailable.
An attack becomes a 'distributed denial of service' (DDoS) when it comes from multiple devices. This is the most common form of DoS attack on websites.
Further information from the NCSC about DDoS attacks can be found here: DoS Guidance NCSC
How does this affect schools/organisations?
Your organisation may be attacked even if you do not have a high profile website. Your organisation's website might be attacked or your server or systems.
Hampshire Alert recently posted an increase in the volume of attacks: Increase in DDoS attacks
DDoS-for-hire services are now openly available online, which makes it a relatively cheap and easy type of cyber attack.
View our Cyber/Information Security Best Practice Area for more guidance and checklists about Information and Cyber security.
How do we know if we are being attacked?
- If your website is suddenly unavailable.
- Small attacks over time (check system event logs).
- The attack may be a distraction for other cyber crimes or fraud. Attackers may use this as a way to check your system's vulnerabilities as a way to prepare for another type of attack at a later date.
Further information can be found at: Action Fraud
How to prevent a DDoS attack?
Generally, these types of attacks are prevented by having modern and robust cyber security tools in place.
The NCSC have a downloadable document explaining how to prepare for such attacks: Prepare for denial of service (DoS) attacks
Aside from the technical aspects of protecting systems, it is always recommended to have a cyber response and business continuity plan in place. Ensure all staff know what to do in the even of a cyber attack.
What to do in the event of a Cyber Attack
Incidents or attacks where any security breaches may have taken place, or other damage was caused, should be reported to an external body.
The SLT digital lead will be responsible for assigning someone to report any suspicious cyber incidents or attacks. This person will need to report this to:
- Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or the Action Fraud website
- the DfE sector cyber team at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
You may also need to report to:
- the NCSC website if the incident or attack causes long term school closure, the closure of more than one school, or serious financial damage
- the ICO website within 72 hours, where a high risk data breach has or may have occurred
- your cyber insurance provider (if you have one), such as risk protection arrangement (RPA)
- Jisc, if you are a part of a further education institution
You must act in accordance with:
- Action Fraud guidance for reporting fraud and cyber crime
- Academy Trust Handbook Part 6, if you are part of an academy trust
- ICO requirements for reporting personal data breaches
Police investigations may find out if any compromised data has been published or sold and identify the perpetrator.
Preserving evidence is as important as recovering from the crime.
Forward suspicious emails to