What type of attack is characterized by malware flooding a network with packets to an external target?

The type of attack characterized by malware flooding a network with packets to an external target is known as a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack. In a DDoS attack, multiple compromised systems are leveraged to launch a coordinated assault on a single target—such as a server or network. This overwhelming volume of requests forces the target to become unresponsive or extremely slow, effectively denying legitimate users access to the service.

DDoS attacks typically involve a botnet, which is a network of infected devices under the control of an attacker. These devices, roused by malicious software, send vast amounts of traffic towards the intended target, resulting in a saturation of its resources. This method is distinct from other forms of attacks like phishing, which seeks to deceive individuals into providing sensitive information, or man-in-the-middle attacks, which intercept and alter communications between two parties. Credential stuffing pertains to the use of stolen usernames and passwords to gain unauthorized access to user accounts, rather than overwhelming systems with traffic.

In summary, DDoS attacks specifically focus on disrupting the availability of services through massive traffic generation, distinguishing them from other attack types.