An Application Layer Attack is a type of cyberattack that targets the top layer of the OSI model, where user-facing software and services operate-such as websites, APIs, or web applications. Unlike traditional attacks that focus on overwhelming network infrastructure, these attacks exploit vulnerabilities in the application itself, often using seemingly legitimate requests to disrupt service or steal data. Because they mimic normal user behavior, application layer attacks can be difficult to detect and mitigate, making them a favored tactic for cybercriminals aiming to cause downtime or data breaches.