'Facebook down not due to DDoS': Know what DDos attack is
A day after the users of socialnetworking site Facebook and Instagram experienced the site going down for several hours,Facebook authorities on Thursday clarified that the site went down not because of anyDenial of service attack(DDoS).
Facebook tweeted, "We're focused on working to resolve the issue as soon as possible, but can confirm that the issue is not related to a DDoS attack".
A DoS (denial-of-service) attack uses a single computer and internet connection to attack a target and shut it down.In theattack, the perpetrator seeks to disconnect the services by disrupting operations of a host connected to the internet.
A DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attack, on the other hand, uses several computers and internet connections to do the same thing.
A DoS attack is, therefore, easier to fight back against since it would require the blocking of only one IP address.
Whilenumerous users said they were unable to access the site on mobile phones or computer screens, many others found it working on their phone.
Some users got a message on theirFacebookscreens saying the social networking site was down for maintenance purposes but would be back up soon.
Others just came up against a blank page.