A pulsing zombie is a degradation-of-service attack that occurs when a cracker maliciously targets a system and compromises computer security by sending a steady stream of attacks over a period of time. Pulsing zombie attacks occur without the website users' knowledge. Although pulsing zombie attacks weaken system performance, they do not shut down systems like other zombie attacks, which are generally denial-of-service attacks. In addition, pulsing zombie attacks appear to be benign because they do not inflict catastrophic harm.
Most zombie attacks are easily detectable. Pulsing zombie attacks, however, are erratic and sporadic. Pulsing zombies are designed to degrade website operations and efficiency. They are difficult to disarm because of their potential to continue for months or years without detection. Pulsing zombies intermittently barrage a targeted website with traffic, impacting website performance and creating noticeably compromised user capabilities. Although the individual barrages are short-lived, pulsing zombies cause significant damage by slowing responsiveness and diminishing services.
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