Twitter was attacked August 6th by a master computer which controls various computers on the Internet. This is accomplished by first hacking into computers, gaining control and then using the computers to execute massive requests for data at one time. These computers are commonly referred to as “ZOMBIE” computers, obviously because they follow the master computers instructions. Usually, these computers are hacked into through security vulnerabilities and owners are unaware of the situation taking place. However, when the time is right, the person or persons involved in the attack gives the command to the master computer, which then executes the command given. It’s similar to an army preparing for battle, the commander gives his word, and the troops attack at once.
This type of attack is commonly referred to as, the distributed denial-of-service attack (commonly shortened to DDoS). You can see the Twitter error message below as a result of the attack. Keep in mind that this same attack has troubled both Yahoo and CNN’s websites…