How do you mitigate against DDoS attacks on a network infrastructure?

Network Security Engineer Interview Question: How do you mitigate against DDoS attacks on a network infrastructure?

As a Network Security Engineer, mitigating against Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks is crucial to maintain the availability and integrity of network infrastructure. Here are some key DDoS mitigation strategies that can be implemented:

1. Implementing DDoS Protection Systems: Deploying dedicated DDoS mitigation tools and services such as scrubbing centers, traffic analyzers, and specialized firewalls can help detect and filter out malicious traffic.
2. Network Segmentation: Segmenting the network into multiple zones with different security controls can limit the impact of a DDoS attack on critical systems and services.
3. Traffic Monitoring and Analysis: Continuously monitoring network traffic for anomalies and suspicious patterns can help in early detection of DDoS attacks, allowing for prompt response and mitigation.
4. Implementing Rate Limiting: Setting up rate limiting mechanisms on network devices can restrict the amount of traffic that can be sent from specific sources, thereby reducing the impact of DDoS attacks.
5. Utilizing Content Delivery Networks (CDNs): Leveraging CDNs can help distribute traffic and offload server resources, reducing the effectiveness of DDoS attacks by dispersing the load.

By implementing a combination of these strategies and maintaining a proactive approach to network security, Network Security Engineers can effectively mitigate the risks posed by DDoS attacks and ensure the continuous operation of network infrastructure.