#London #United Kingdom #DDoS Protection #Threat Intelligence #Corero Network Security

Unveiling the 2025 Threat Landscape: Corero's Insights

On May 7, 2025,
Corero Network Security, a pioneer in DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) protection, published its 2025 Threat Intelligence Report, detailing significant transformations in DDoS attack methodologies observed throughout 2024. This report, deriving insights from global telemetry and independent research, sheds light on the evolving strategies employed by attackers and the growing challenges faced by organizations tasked with defending against these threats.

Shifts in Attack Strategy

The report highlights a noticeable shift in attacker behavior, moving away from traditional large-scale flood attacks to a focus on frequency, evasion, and sophisticated coordinated assaults. This evolution complicates the already challenging task of defenders, who often grapple with fragmented responsibilities and limited visibility within hybrid environments. Ashley Stephenson, the Chief Technology and Product Officer at Corero, stated, "DDoS is no longer just a matter of stopping packets—it's about identifying patterns, coordinating teams, and mitigating before damage is done." This indicates a paradigm shift in how organizations must approach defense, emphasizing the need for integrated strategies that bridge the gap between offensive tactics and defensive capabilities.

Key Findings from the Report

1. ### DDoS Frequency at Record Levels
Corero’s clients reported experiencing an average of 11 attacks per day in 2024, marking a 5% increase compared to the previous year. This trend signifies a broader multi-year pattern, indicating that frequent, low-volume DDoS attacks serve not only to disrupt but also to assess vulnerabilities in defenses, stretching resources thin and desensitizing response teams.

2. ### Decline of Mid-Sized Attacks
Notably, DDoS attacks in the 1–5Gbps range have diminished from 19.4% of total attacks in 2019 to just 12.4% in 2024. This decline suggests that attackers have pivoted towards either stealthy sub-1Gbps probes or massive floods intended to overwhelm system infrastructures.

3. ### Chained, Adaptive Attack Patterns
Corero observed an increasing tendency for attackers to employ multi-vector strategies, where threat actors change between protocols every 30–60 seconds. These “chained vector” assaults force defenders to constantly adapt, hindering proactive defenses as mitigation systems remain reactive.

4. ### Operational Gaps in Defense Mechanisms
A survey conducted by Merrill Research, sponsored by Corero, revealed critical challenges faced by security teams. More than 50% of respondents mentioned difficulties in inter-team coordination, while 68% highlighted challenges in demonstrating the return on investment for DDoS protection to their leadership. Such hurdles persist, even among organizations equipped with advanced tools.

Stephenson further elaborated that the data suggests smaller attacks, once viewed as minor irritants, are now often precursors to more severe DDoS incidents. "Defenders can't treat these background attacks as exceptions. They are the new normal, and response needs to be integrated, automated, and cross-functional," he added, underscoring the changing landscape of cyber threats.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The insights presented in Corero's 2025 Threat Intelligence Report are a clarion call for organizations to reassess their defenses against DDoS attacks. The report underscores the necessity for integrated, team-wide approaches to DDoS protection and a shift away from viewing smaller scale attacks as negligible. Instead, organizations are urged to recognize them as integral components of a new normal in the threat landscape.

Organizations that prioritize adaptive capabilities will likely navigate these challenges more effectively, enhancing both their resilience against attacks and their operational efficiencies.

For additional insights and a more in-depth understanding, the full report is accessible at Corero's website here.

About Corero Network Security

Corero Network Security specializes in DDoS protection solutions, providing automated defense mechanisms with robust network visibility, analytics, and reporting capabilities. With operational headquarters in Marlborough, Massachusetts, and Edinburgh, UK, Corero is dedicated to safeguarding internet service availability amidst evolving cyber threats. The company is publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange's AIM market under the ticker CNS and on the US OTCQX Market as OTCQX DDOSF.