What is the main difference between a DDoS and a DoS attack?

Question

Options

• AA DDoS attack is a type of physical attack, while a DoS attack is a type of cyberattack.
• BA DDoS attack uses a single source to target a single system, while a DoS attack uses multiple
• CA DDoS attack uses multiple sources to target a single system, while a DoS attack uses a single
• DA DDoS attack uses a single source to target multiple systems, while a DoS attack uses multiple

• A
  4% (2)
• B
  2% (1)
• C
  94% (44)

Explanation

C is correct because "DDoS" stands for Distributed Denial of Service - the key word "distributed" means the attack originates from many compromised machines (a botnet) all flooding a single target, whereas a DoS (Denial of Service) attack comes from just one source overwhelming one system.

Why the distractors fail:

• A is wrong because both DDoS and DoS are cyberattacks, not physical attacks.
• B has the definitions completely reversed - it describes DoS behavior for DDoS and vice versa.
• D is wrong on both counts: a DDoS uses multiple sources (not one), and it targets one system (not multiple).

Memory tip: Focus on the "D" in DDoS = Distributed = Dozens (or more) of attacking machines. If you remember "DDoS = Distributed = Many sources, one victim," you can reconstruct the correct answer even under pressure.

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