A DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack is a cyberattack where multiple computers or devices are used to flood a website, server, or online service with an overwhelming amount of traffic. This sudden surge in requests overloads the target, causing it to slow down significantly or become completely inaccessible to legitimate users. DDoS attacks are often carried out using networks of compromised computers, called botnets, and are designed to disrupt normal operations, harm businesses, or extort organizations. These attacks can target any online service, making them a significant threat to internet security and business continuity.