What is a DoS attack?

Question

Options

• AAn attack that targets a specific user or organization
• BAn attack that aims to steal sensitive information
• CAn attack that floods a network or server with traffic to make it unavailable
• DAn attack that exploits a vulnerability in software

• B
  6% (2)
• C
  91% (32)
• D
  3% (1)

Explanation

DoS (Denial of Service) attacks work by overwhelming a network, server, or service with excessive traffic or requests until it can no longer respond to legitimate users - making it "unavailable," which is exactly what option C describes.

• A is wrong because targeting a specific user/organization describes spear phishing or targeted attacks, not DoS.
• B is wrong because stealing sensitive information describes data exfiltration or attacks like man-in-the-middle and phishing.
• D is wrong because exploiting software vulnerabilities describes exploit attacks (e.g., buffer overflows, zero-days) - DoS doesn't require a software flaw, just volume.

Memory tip: Think of DoS as "Door of Storm" - imagine so many people trying to enter a door at once that no one can actually get through. The goal is disruption, not theft or infiltration.

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