What does a denial-of-service (DoS) attack aim to achieve?

A denial-of-service (DoS) attack aims to keep a computer or network from doing anything useful by overwhelming it with excessive traffic or requests. The primary goal of such an attack is to disrupt the normal functioning of the targeted system, rendering it unavailable to legitimate users. By flooding the system with requests that it cannot handle, the attacker effectively denies access to the services that the user needs, leading to downtime and potential data loss. This method disrupts both operational capabilities and resource availability, illustrating the attack's disruptive nature.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the fundamental purpose of a DoS attack. Enhancing system functionality, monitoring user behavior, or strengthening network security do not correlate with the objectives of a DoS attack, which focuses entirely on destruction and disruption of service rather than improvement or protection.