HTTP Flood / Web DDoS
An HTTP flood is an application-layer denial-of-service pattern that overwhelms web resources with large volumes of seemingly valid requests.
Mechanism
Requests consume application, database, cache, or connection resources faster than the service can process them. Unlike a simple network flood, the traffic can resemble normal HTTP.
Indicators to watch
Sudden request-rate changes, endpoint concentration, high application latency, cache misses, elevated CPU/database load, and traffic patterns that differ from the normal client population.
Concept diagram
Defensive controls
Use CDN/WAF protection, caching, rate limits, bot management, autoscaling, request budgets, circuit breakers, and capacity planning.
Recommended security control
WAF / CDN rate limiting
Use load-test tools only against systems where you have explicit authorization.
Defense tool
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All attack descriptions are for defensive education. Test scanning, traffic generation, interception, wireless testing, and vulnerable applications only on systems and networks you own or are explicitly authorized to assess.