How to Fight DDoS Attacks on Your Stream
What is a DDoS attack and why is it dangerous for streamers
Modern streamers face not only competition and technical challenges but also cyberattacks. One of the most common threats to live broadcasts is a DDoS attack — an attempt by attackers to overload your internet connection or server in order to disrupt the stream. In this article, we’ll look at how to deal with DDoS attacks on streams, what protection methods exist, and what to do if an attack has already started.
DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) is a distributed attack on a server or network, where attackers send a massive number of requests from different devices. The goal is to overload the system so it stops responding to real connections.
For a streamer, the consequences can be catastrophic: the broadcast is interrupted, video quality drops sharply, and viewers lose interest in the channel. Even a short attack can affect a content creator’s statistics and reputation.
How to recognize a DDoS attack during a stream
It’s not always easy to recognize a DDoS attack since issues may look like regular technical problems. However, there are typical signs:
- A sudden drop in connection speed while other services work normally;
- Increased ping and packet loss during video transmission;
- Freezes and lags on all streaming platforms at once;
- Inability to connect to the internet even after restarting the router.
If such problems occur specifically during your stream, there’s a high chance it’s a DDoS attack.
Why streamers become targets for cyberattacks
There are several reasons. Sometimes attacks are carried out out of jealousy or competition between channels. In some cases, toxic viewers try to harm a streamer out of personal dislike. There are also “pranksters” who simply want to test their hacking skills. But most often, the root of the problem is an IP address leak. If your IP becomes publicly available, it can be used to launch an attack.
How to protect your stream from DDoS attacks
Protective measures can be divided into network, software, and organizational ones. A smart combination of these approaches helps minimize risks and keep your stream stable.
Using a VPN to hide your IP address
The most effective way to hide your real IP address is by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the server, making a direct attack on your network impossible.
To ensure a VPN truly helps, choose a service with high connection speed, low latency, and servers located close to your region. Reliable options include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark. If possible, set up the VPN at the router level — that way, the protection will cover your entire network.
Hiding your personal IP address from outsiders
The main mistake many streamers make is publishing or accidentally revealing their IP address. This can happen during gameplay, on Discord, or when setting up co-streams. Use a dynamic IP, update it regularly, and avoid public connections. When possible, connect through a proxy or intermediate server to minimize the risk of a leak.
Configuring your router to protect against DDoS
Many modern routers have built-in protection features that should be activated. The firewall can filter suspicious traffic, while the SPI (Stateful Packet Inspection) function analyzes data packets and blocks abnormal activity. It’s also useful to enable QoS (Quality of Service) so that under heavy load, stream traffic gets priority. Don’t forget to update your router firmware regularly — updates often include security improvements.
Using specialized anti-DDoS services
If you stream through your own server or use Restream, consider enabling anti-DDoS services. The most popular solutions are Cloudflare Spectrum, OVH Game Shield, Akamai Prolexic, and Path.net. These systems analyze incoming traffic and filter out malicious requests before they reach your equipment. This is especially important for large audiences and regular broadcasts.
Monitoring network activity and analyzing logs
Constant traffic monitoring is one of the most reliable ways to detect suspicious activity. Use tools like Wireshark or GlassWire to track connected IP addresses and analyze traffic spikes. If you notice suspicious requests from a specific region or IP range, block them manually through your router settings or contact your provider.
Working with your internet provider during a DDoS attack
Your provider can play a crucial role in mitigating the attack. They can reroute your traffic through filters, temporarily assign you a new IP address, or block connections from specific sources. At the first signs of a DDoS attack, contact technical support immediately and describe the issue in detail — the sooner filtering begins, the less damage your stream will take.
Preventive measures against repeated attacks
To avoid facing frequent attacks, adopt a few simple but effective habits:
- Use only secure connections and strong passwords;
- Regularly change your IP address and VPN server;
- Keep your operating system, drivers, and streaming software up to date;
- Limit access to your network settings to trusted people only;
- Enable two-factor authentication on all streaming platforms.
These steps don’t guarantee absolute protection, but they greatly reduce the likelihood of repeated attacks.
Actions to take during an active DDoS attack
If an attack has already started, act quickly and calmly. Stop the stream, restart your router, and try changing your IP address. Enable your VPN or switch to a different server to mask your traffic. Inform your provider about the network overload and wait for stabilization. Don’t try to “retaliate” against the attacker — it’s ineffective and could make the situation worse.
Frequently asked questions about DDoS and streaming
Can you track down the attacker yourself? Technically, it’s possible, but it requires specialists and log analysis. Doing it on your own is extremely difficult.
Does a VPN affect stream quality? When using a reliable service, the impact is minimal. The key is to choose a server with low ping and high bandwidth.
Are there free ways to protect against DDoS? You can use built-in firewalls and free VPNs, but they don’t provide stable protection. For professional streaming, it’s better to invest in paid solutions.
How to maintain stream stability and protect your audience
Fighting DDoS attacks is not a one-time task but an ongoing effort to maintain security. The more your channel grows, the more attractive it becomes to attackers. To avoid interruptions and maintain viewer trust, it’s important not only to react to attacks but also to build a preventive security infrastructure. Use a VPN, configure your router, monitor your traffic, and prevent IP leaks.
Only a comprehensive approach will allow you to reliably protect your stream and continue developing your channel without fear of sudden cyberattacks.