---
description: Reduce server strain during traffic surges.
title: Prepare for surges and mitigate DDoS attacks
image: https://developers.cloudflare.com/og-docs.png
---

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# Prepare for surges and mitigate DDoS attacks

Last updated Aug 24, 2026|Copy as Markdown|[View as Markdown](https://docs-durable-objects-instance-replaced-errors.previews.developers.cloudflare.com/learning-paths/surge-readiness/security/prepare-for-surges/index.md)|[Agent setup](https://docs-durable-objects-instance-replaced-errors.previews.developers.cloudflare.com/agent-setup/)

## Reduce server strain

Utilize Cloudflare's [caching](https://docs-durable-objects-instance-replaced-errors.previews.developers.cloudflare.com/cache/) to enhance load times and reduce server strain. Also, features like the [Waiting Room](https://docs-durable-objects-instance-replaced-errors.previews.developers.cloudflare.com/waiting-room) and [Rate Limiting](https://docs-durable-objects-instance-replaced-errors.previews.developers.cloudflare.com/waf/rate-limiting-rules/) can be used to effectively manage excess demand and ensure a stable user experience.

## Unlimited DDoS Protection

Cloudflare's Advanced [DDoS protection](https://docs-durable-objects-instance-replaced-errors.previews.developers.cloudflare.com/ddos-protection/) is always on for Enterprise customers and is used to mitigate DDoS attacks of all forms and sizes including those that target UDP and ICMP protocols, as well as SYN/ACK, DNS amplification, SMURF, and Layer 7 attacks.

## Browser Integrity Check

[Browser Integrity Check](https://docs-durable-objects-instance-replaced-errors.previews.developers.cloudflare.com/waf/tools/browser-integrity-check/) looks for requests with HTTP headers commonly used by spammers, bots, and crawlers such as requests with a missing or non-standard user agent. If a threat is found, Cloudflare will present a challenge page before allowing access. This may affect your API and can be selectively disabled using [Page Rules](https://docs-durable-objects-instance-replaced-errors.previews.developers.cloudflare.com/rules/page-rules/).

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