Operation PowerOff: Major Blow to Global DDoS-for-Hire Service
The law enforcement agencies of the United Kingdom have reported a successful operation infiltrating the systems of the DDoS service, during which the alleged head of the DigitalStress service was arrested. The authorities’ actions were carried out as part of Operation PowerOff, aimed at curbing the activities of DDoS-for-hire service.
DigitalStress, responsible for tens of thousands of attacks weekly across the globe, provided users with the capability to launch DDoS attacks. These attacks can cause significant damage to businesses and critical national infrastructure, as well as disrupt emergency services.
The suspect’s arrest took place on July 2nd. The name of the detainee has not yet been disclosed. The DigitalStress website was replaced with a mirror copy, redirecting users. This allowed law enforcement to gather a database of cybercriminals.
Intelligence agencies also gained access to communication platforms where plans for launching DDoS attacks were discussed. It was demonstrated to the service’s users that criminal activities cannot be discussed safely anywhere.
The administrators of the DigitalStress website used the “.su” domain, commonly utilized by many criminal services, believing it would hinder law enforcement efforts. The collected information on the DDoS service users is currently being analyzed. Data on users outside the United Kingdom will be shared with law enforcement agencies in other countries for further arrests.
The United Kingdom is not the only country combating DDoS services. Recently, a U.S. resident was sentenced to nine months in prison for creating and managing the Astrostress service, which allowed users to launch powerful DDoS attacks. The 24-year-old Scott Raul Esparza pleaded guilty in March, with charges filed in February. The FBI investigated the case as part of Operation PowerOff, an international initiative to fight DDoS platforms.
