The data centre has now successfully mitigated the DDoS (Distributed Denial-of-Service) attack and has implemented enhanced DDoS protection across all hosted servers.
This is the first time in the provider's 20-year history that they have experienced a DDoS attack of this scale. The size and complexity of the attack required extensive reconfiguration of their systems to restore full connectivity and implement additional DDOS protection. As a result, the issue took longer to resolve than a typical service disruption.
The provider will continue to closely monitor the network to ensure the new measures are operating effectively and to respond promptly should any further DDoS attacks occur.
Unfortunately, DDoS attacks are becoming increasingly common and more powerful. Hosting providers worldwide are experiencing these attacks from time to time, which can result in website and connectivity issues while mitigation measures are implemented.
If you are unfamiliar with DDoS attacks, we have included a brief explanation below outlining what they are and how they can affect hosting services.
A DDoS attack stands for Distributed Denial-of-Service attack.
It's a cyberattack where an attacker uses many computers, servers, or internet-connected devices (often infected with malware and called a botnet) to flood a target website, service, or network with huge amounts of traffic.
How it works
Imagine a small store that can comfortably serve 50 customers at a time. If thousands of people suddenly crowd the entrance, real customers can't get in.
A DDoS attack does something similar online:
- The attacker controls many devices.
- Those devices send massive numbers of requests to a target.
- The target's servers become overwhelmed.
- Legitimate users can no longer access the service.
Common effects
- Websites become very slow.
- Online services become slow or stop responding.
UPDATE - IN PROGRESS: The host has informed us that this connectivity issue is caused by a significant DDOS attack on the Data Centre. They are currently working on fully resolving this. The Data Centre and their network teams are testing various proposed fixes. They are also currently working with their ISPs to reroute traffic and this can take some time. There is no ETA when this will be completed.
We are currently aware of an issue with some services loading on these servers. The host is aware of the issue and is currently working on it.