What are the ways to tackle DDoS attacks?
My website, which is hosted by Hostenko on WordPress engine, has recently been experiencing updates. It's a small landing page with a size of 50-100 MB, and I'm considering Cloudflare for free protection for my site. Can you suggest any recommendations or solutions?

It's impossible to handle it individually, particularly with the complexity of inquiries posed. The preferable option would be to employ a hoster that is equipped with Anti-DDoS. One of the hosting providers you can consider is riweb.net.

Apart from that, there are several alternatives available such as cloudflare. You need not switch to another hoster since it offers external protection.

You can reach out to a specialized Anti-DDoS provider or choose a web hosting company that offers DDoS protection services such as RiWeb or Cloudflare. The cost of such services is quite affordable.

When facing a DDoS attack, the traditional method of defending yourself involves reading the HTTP log files and using grep to identify bot requests and ultimately banning those IP addresses. However, there are two types of botnets, which pose different threats.

One type appears instantly and can wipe out everything at once but can be caught and banned using the aforementioned technique. The other botnet, however, infiltrates the site slowly, leading to a more prolonged attack. It's important to note that fighting DDoS attacks with grep requires several days of preparation. Here are some tips for mitigating the effects of a DDoS attack in advance.

One efficient way to fight back against a DDoS attack is by installing the testcookie-nginx module. This fast filter acts as a mediator between the backend and bots during an L7 DDoS attack. By filtering out unwanted requests, it offers a simple yet effective solution. Testcookie-nginx functions by checking the client's ability to redirect HTTP, use JavaScript, and match its claimed browser. Verification is completed through cookies employing various methods such as Set-Cookie + redirect via HTML meta refresh or by setting an arbitrary template.

It even supports Flash, which helps weed out bots incapable of supporting it. However, the module has some limitations, including blocking all bots (including Googlebot), posing issues for users with certain browsers, and failing to prevent bots equipped with a full-fledged browser engine with JavaScript. Yet, when compared to other rudimentary tools, such as those written in Java or C#, testcookie_module is a useful tool in cutting down on the threat of a DDoS attack.

DDoS attacks can be quite challenging to handle, but there are several steps you can take to mitigate their impact. Here are some recommendations:

1. Implement a DDoS protection service: Cloudflare is indeed a popular choice for mitigating DDoS attacks. By routing your website's traffic through Cloudflare's network, it can help filter out malicious traffic and absorb the attack.

2. Enable rate limiting: Configure rate limiting rules on your server or through a CDN like Cloudflare to restrict the number of requests that can be made from a particular IP address within a specific time frame. This can help prevent your website from being overwhelmed by excessive traffic.

3. Upgrade hosting infrastructure: Ensure that your hosting provider has robust infrastructure that can handle sudden spikes in traffic. Consider upgrading to a more scalable hosting plan if needed.

4. Use caching mechanisms: Implement caching at various levels to reduce the load on your server during an attack. Caching plugins and CDNs can help serve static content without hitting your server, which can alleviate the impact of the attack.

5. Employ anomaly detection systems: Utilize security tools that can detect unusual traffic patterns, such as sudden surges in requests or abnormalities in user behavior. These systems can help identify and block potentially malicious traffic before it overwhelms your website.

6. Keep software up to date: Regularly update your website's CMS, plugins, and other software components to patch any known security vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit.

7. Monitor traffic and network activity: Keep a close eye on your website's traffic patterns and network activity. Implement monitoring tools that can quickly alert you to any unusual spikes or patterns that could indicate an ongoing DDoS attack.

8. Configure firewall rules: Set up firewall rules to block traffic from known malicious IP addresses or suspicious sources. This can help filter out potential attackers before they reach your website.

9. Use load balancing: Distribute traffic across multiple servers using load balancing techniques. This can help distribute the impact of a DDoS attack and ensure that your website remains accessible even during high traffic situations.

10. Develop an incident response plan: Create a plan that outlines the steps to be taken in the event of a DDoS attack. This plan should include contact information for relevant stakeholders, steps to isolate affected systems, and strategies for recovery.

11. Consider a content delivery network (CDN): CDNs help distribute your website's content across multiple servers globally. This not only improves website performance but can also help absorb and mitigate DDoS attacks by spreading the traffic across multiple points of presence.

12. Engage with your hosting provider: Consult with your hosting provider about their DDoS mitigation capabilities. They may have additional measures in place to protect your website and can provide guidance specific to their infrastructure.