Security in Cyberspace: Combatting Distributed Denial of Service Attacks

Reviews the general problem of cyber security, distributed denial of service attacks (DDoS), prevention of DDoS attacks (victim, masterminds, Internet service providers, Internet-connected computer users, and software developers), and liability in negligence for unreasonably insecure software (duty of care, the harm of DDoS attacks). Argues that a root cause of DDoS attacks is insecure software that has been widely deployed on Internet-connected computers. Defines a DDoS attack as one that seeks to disable the target so that it is no longer able to offer the services it normally provides. Usually launched against one target simultaneously from a large number of sources. Attacks include: the software vendor, the user who does not address vulnerabilities, the ISPs who fail to scan emails for malicious code, and the person who takes advantage of vulnerabilities.