What is Priority Protect?

Priority Protect is DataDome's virtual waiting room solution that enables you to manage high-traffic surges and protect your critical infrastructure during peak demand periods.

Unlike traditional queue systems, Priority Protect combines traffic management with DataDome's advanced bot detection, ensuring your priority contains only legitimate human visitors.

Prerequisites

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Priority Protect is an add-on of Bot Protect and is not available on your account by default.
Contact your account manager to enable it.

Minimum Integration Versions

Server Side Integrations

Priority Protect requires minimum versions of DataDome's integration modules. Please ensure your integration meets or exceeds these versions:

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If you're running an older version of your DataDome integration module, you'll need to upgrade before implementing Priority Protect. Contact your Customer Success team for upgrade assistance.

Mobile SDK (if applicable)

Configuration & Management

Priority Protect offers flexible configuration options to fit your workflow and operational needs:

All Priority Protect configurations can be managed through two methods:

• DataDome Dashboard
• Priority Protect API

Concept

Priority Types

Always-On Priority

24/7 protection against unexpected peaks and traffic surges. This priority will be enable automatically when the number of visitors of your website reach a defined threshold.

Scheduled Priority

Activate priority protection for specific time windows around known high-traffic events. Best for: Product drops, flash sales, event ticket releases

Understanding Capacity Settings

Two key parameters control how Priority Protect manages traffic to your site:

Maximum Concurrent Visitors

The total number of visitors allowed on your protected pages at any moment before new visitors enter the priority.

Think of it as: Your "room capacity"

How to set it: Base this on your infrastructure capacity - how many concurrent users your servers, database, and backend services can comfortably handle without performance degradation.

Example: With a limit of 10,000:

• At 9,999 visitors → new visitors admitted immediately
• At 10,000 visitors → new visitors placed in waiting room
• Visitors leave → next person in queue is admitted

Release Rate Per Minute (Admission Rate)

The maximum number of visitors admitted from the queue to your site each minute.

Think of it as: Your "door size"

How to set it: Typically 5-10% of your maximum concurrent visitors. Start conservative and adjust based on real-world performance.

Example: With a release rate of 500/minute and max capacity of 10,000:

• Up to 500 visitors per minute move from priority to your site
• Prevents sudden traffic spikes when capacity opens up

FAQ

What if my integration version doesn't meet the minimum requirements?

You'll need to upgrade your DataDome integration module before implementing Priority Protect. Contact your Technical Account Manager who can assist with the upgrade process and ensure compatibility with your infrastructure.

Can I use Priority Protect with my existing DataDome setup?

Yes! Priority Protect integrates seamlessly with your existing DataDome Bot Protect deployment, provided your integration module meets the minimum version requirements. No re-architecture required.

What happens to bots that try to access my priority?

DataDome's bot protection runs first, blocking or challenging malicious bots before they can enter your priority. This keeps your priority clean and efficient.

Can I customize the waiting room experience?

Yes! Priority Protect offers customizable waiting room templates where you can add your branding, messaging, and custom content.

How do I know if Priority Protect is working?

The DataDome Dashboard provides real-time metrics and KPIs including number of visitors in the queue and on your website.

Can I switch between Dashboard and API management?

Yes! You can use both methods interchangeably. Changes made through either interface are immediately reflected across both. This gives you flexibility to use the right tool for each situation.