What It Is
DDoS stands for distributed denial of service. Attackers use networks of infected computers and devices, often called botnets, to send huge amounts of traffic at one target. The goal is not to steal anything but to knock the site offline. Imagine hundreds of people crowding into your shop with no intention of buying, so your real customers cannot reach the counter.
Why It Matters for Your Business
Small businesses are rarely the main target, but they can be caught in the blast when an attack hits a shared server or network they rely on. Some attacks are also aimed at small online stores during busy seasons. A gift shop that goes offline for a day in mid-December can lose a meaningful slice of its holiday sales.
Good to Know
Defending against DDoS attacks is mostly the job of your hosting provider and any CDN you use, since they can absorb and filter traffic at a scale a single server cannot. When comparing hosts, ask whether DDoS protection is included and how it works. You cannot stop an attack yourself, but you can choose partners who are prepared for one.