How does AWS Shield enhance security for applications against DDoS attacks?

AWS Shield is a managed DDoS protection service that specifically focuses on safeguarding applications running on AWS from distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. DDoS attacks aim to overwhelm an application by flooding it with an excessive amount of traffic, rendering it unavailable to legitimate users. Shield provides automatic protection against these attacks, helping to ensure that your applications remain operational even under attack.

The service operates at two levels: AWS Shield Standard, which protects against the most common and frequently observed DDoS attacks, and AWS Shield Advanced, which offers additional features such as enhanced detection and mitigation capabilities, as well as access to DDoS cost protection and a 24/7 incident response team.

By focusing explicitly on the protection against DDoS attacks, AWS Shield empowers organizations to bolster their security posture without requiring significant manual intervention or additional infrastructure. This automated response minimizes downtime and enhances the availability of applications, critical for maintaining user trust and operational efficiency.