Article: What Is a DDoS Wargame?

"Wargame." Perhaps the term sounds like an activity found in the Pentagon or a spy movie. But a "wargame" for your company - to test its DDoS attack strategy? Sounds a bit scary, probably... but maybe a little fun, too?

A DDoS wargame is a real, controlled DDoS attack on your environment conducted by our skilled team. It allows your team to experience a DDoS attack and execute their emergency response plan within a safe, controlled environment. Afterwards, the team can evaluate the incident response and make changes as needed.

What Happens During a Wargame?

Often, a company's DDoS attack strategy is theoretical. Many factors have been considered in devising an emergency response plan. However, finding holes in the strategy and detecting gaps in its execution is difficult without a real-world test. So, a wargame involves a DDoS attack that is specifically designed to allow the team to assess their incident response plan and identify strengths and weaknesses.

During a wargame, a controlled, surprise attack is launched against the company's online environment. The attack is real, and is large enough to set off alarms, but is not large enough to cause an outage. This allows IT teams and executives to fully test incident responseprocedures and mitigation controls without impacting the business or causing an interruption to customers.

After the team responds to the attack, NimbusDDOS evaluates performance, identifying weaknesses in mitigation controls, and the team's execution of the DDoS attack strategy. After a report and briefing, adjustments can be proactively made to improve the strategy.

What Are the Benefits?

Although a wargame can sound daunting, there are several benefits to them.

• Being proactive: Being prepared is critical for DDoS attacks. Further, preparing your team ahead of time allows them - and you - to feel more confident.


• Efficiency assessment: Generally, a DDoS emergency response plan is based on hypothetical scenarios. A wargame allows the company to test the plan in a controlled way and find weaknesses.


• Team effectiveness: An emergency response can be stressful on your team. Consequently, team members may act differently or doubt their capability to address a real threat. This controlled setting helps assess behavior, address issues and build confidence in a safe manner.


• Training opportunity: A wargame is a unique opportunity for IT teams to test out their incident response plan knowledge and learn by doing. Further, they can engage in a Q&A with our DDoS experts after the wargame to further expand their DDoS attack knowledge.

Should My Team Participate in a Wargame?

A wargame is an important element of ensuring the effectiveness of your DDoS attack incident response plan and improving your team's confidence in the face of an attack.

Has your team completed a DDoS wargame before? A single wargame may reveal weak points and another wargame - or series of wargames - may be necessary to solidify effectiveness. Further, DDoS attack threats are continually evolving. A wargame helps ensure your mitigation systems and processes are updated and effective.

Does a "wargame" sound right for your team? Contact NimbusDDOS to schedule one today.