What types of networks are often targeted by denial-of-service attacks?

Denial-of-service (DoS) attacks are designed to render a network or service inoperable, particularly those involved in critical operations. This includes not only financial institutions, healthcare services, and telecommunications but also any business reliant on their online presence to function effectively. Attackers often aim for networks that are integral to daily operations because the impact of taking them offline can lead to significant financial losses, disruption of services, and damage to reputation.

In contrast, networks that are purely internal or lack internet access may be less attractive targets because they typically do not have the same visibility or potential impact on public-facing services. Networks with low visibility may be overlooked and thus may not be specifically chosen as targets, while private internal networks are less exposed to external attacks. Therefore, the most appealing targets for denial-of-service attacks are those that support critical operations, as interrupting such services can lead to pronounced consequences.