The Justice Department has recently made headlines by announcing the seizure of 27 internet domains linked to notorious DDoS-for-hire services, alongside criminal charges against two individuals believed to be managing these so-called "booter" services. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Central District of California, these platforms were known for allowing customers to initiate DDoS attacks that inundate computers with overwhelming traffic, consequently disrupting access to the internet for various victims, both within the USA and internationally.
This significant move aims to ameliorate the impact of cyberattacks, particularly before the Christmas holidays, when there's usually a surge in such activities. As per a statement by the U.S. Attorney's Office, “Booter services facilitate cyberattacks that harm victims and compromise everyone’s ability to access the internet.” The FBI and DCIS have largely dismissed claims by these services that they were meant for network testing, instead revealing communications that show a clear awareness and intent to use these platforms for cyberattacks.
Simultaneously, international partnership has also been a key factor in this crackdown. Agents have worked closely with law enforcement agencies worldwide to disrupt the operation of these illegal services. In Los Angeles, Brazilian native Ricardo Cesar Colli, also known under the alias "TotemanGames," is facing charges for running a booter service, Securityhide.net. Meanwhile, an individual connected to major booter services has been indicted in Alaska, with courts maintaining the indictment under seal in light of ongoing international collaboration efforts.
Akin to adding another layer to their offensive against cybercrime, law enforcement agencies have launched an ad campaign to discourage potential cybercriminals, using targeted ads that appear when someone searches for DDoS-related services. “Whether you launch a DDoS attack or hire a DDoS service to do it for you, the FBI considers it a crime,” said FBI Assistant Director Akil Davis in a recent interview. He emphasized the significance of these services on essential operations and critical infrastructure, urging victims to immediately report cybercrimes to local FBI offices or through the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
