Build a DDoS Attack Detection and Prevention System

DDoS attacks can cripple websites, servers, and online platforms by overwhelming them with traffic from multiple sources. An early detection and response system helps mitigate damage, preserve availability, and reduce downtime for mission-critical services.

This system monitors incoming traffic, detects abnormal surges or repeated requests from distributed sources, and takes action through rate limiting, IP blacklisting, or service scaling. It distinguishes between legitimate spikes and malicious floods using rules or AI.

The system captures real-time HTTP, TCP, or UDP traffic using sniffers or server logs. It tracks request rates from IPs, compares against baselines, and detects anomalies based on volume or velocity. If a DDoS pattern is detected, automated defense mechanisms are triggered to block or throttle malicious requests.

• Monitor traffic flow using NetFlow, iptables logs, or API gateway logs.
• Define safe thresholds or use AI/ML to detect volume anomalies and bursts.
• Log suspected malicious IPs and classify them as potential botnets or compromised hosts.
• Implement mitigation via firewall rules, reverse proxy filters, or cloud-based defenses.
• Send alerts to administrators for manual or automated intervention.

• Understanding DDoS Attacks – Cloudflare Guide
• Suricata IDS/IPS Documentation
• tcpdump Command Examples
• Scikit-learn Anomaly Detection
• HAProxy Rate Limiting Guide