What are http flooders?

Question

Just wondering

Answer 1

HTTP Flooder: A software application, organization or individuals who make large volume automated HTTP requests, usually in an attempt to bring a web service down as part of a Denial of Service (DoS) attack. Basically you hit a website as hard and fast as possible using distributed automated scripts, usually on zombie/hijacked machines, ideally requesting the largest images and files as frequently as possible.

Countermeasure: Stop HTTP server(s), block the offending IPs, resume operations, pursue the offending IPs to the fullest extent of the law. Repeat as needed.

* NOT AN ENDORSEMENT TO DO THIS - doing this is unethical at best, and often illegal, and you can probably be (rightfully) arrested for attempting a DoS attack on someone else's website * Just thought I'd mention it. :-)