Priya PatelTLDR:
- A record-breaking DDoS attack targeting a Minecraft server reached 3.15 billion packets per second on August 25, 2024.
- The attack was mitigated by Global Secure Layer (GSL) using their in-house DDoS management platform, Creatia.
Global Secure Layer (GSL) successfully mitigated the most considerable packet rate of the Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack ever recorded. The attack, aimed at a Minecraft gaming server, reached a staggering peak of 3.15 billion packets per second (Gpps) on August 25, 2024. This article delves into the details of the attack, the mitigation efforts, and the implications for cybersecurity.
Unprecedented Scale and Mitigation
The attack on the Minecraft server was record-breaking in terms of packet rate and demonstrated the effectiveness of GSL’s mitigation strategies. The peak packet rate of 3.15 Gpps was accompanied by a relatively low bitrate of 849 Gbps. Despite the massive scale, the attack was auto-mitigated by GSL’s in-house DDoS management platform, Creatia, which operates in conjunction with their Goliath mitigation system deployed across 33 global points of presence.
The assault on the Minecraft server was not a singular event. A day before the main attack, the perpetrators launched a smaller-scale assault targeting a single prefix of the victim. This initial attack peaked at 1.7 Gpps and lasted only 20 seconds.
The attack’s origins were traced to several key regions and networks. The packet-heavy botnet primarily originated from Russia, Vietnam, and Korea, while the volumetric-heavy botnet saw significant traffic from Russia, Ukraine, and Brazil. This geographic distribution suggests the involvement of two distinct botnets with different characteristics and capabilities.
GSL’s mitigation strategies played a crucial role in neutralizing the attack. Within 15 minutes of the attack’s onset, the targeted prefixes were re-configured to a more robust security stance, effectively preventing further impact on the end customer. The attackers attempted several volumetric hits, peaking between 1.1 and 1.5 Tbps, but these were also mitigated without affecting the customer.
The record-breaking attack on the Minecraft server underscores the evolving threat landscape in cybersecurity. As attackers continue to develop more sophisticated methods, the need for robust DDoS defenses becomes increasingly critical. The events of this attack highlight the importance of planning for network border and backbone capacity and understanding the end customer’s clean traffic profile to maintain a preemptive security stance.
The attack on the Minecraft server is a stark reminder of the potential scale and impact of DDoS attacks. It emphasizes the need for continuous advancements in cybersecurity measures to protect against such formidable threats.
