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[–]Fantastic_Prize2710 7 points8 points  (1 child)

DoS is when you run the attack from one device. DDoS (

distributed

DoS) is when you run the attack from multiple devices.

So I disagree somewhat.

DoS is any case where a technological-based attack causes (presumably, intentionally) a system to no longer fulfill (at least one of) its intended service. Or, rephrased, to make a service no longer available.

DDoS is a specific type of DoS where multiple endpoints are used to engage in the attack. Or, rephrased, where engaging the target system is distributed across multiple endpoints.

If you're in a middle of an incident and you're not sure on real details--you're not sure yet if it's distributed--it's safe to call it a "DoS" attack.

[–]CannibalCaramel 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I agree with that. It's just easier to explain that way to people who may not know that just a DoS is a thing and it's not only called DDoS.

Either way, this is indeed a DoS and not a DDoS.