Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, which effect the operation of websites and demand ransoms to back off, have become a major problem for online gambling operators but there may be a glimmer of hope on the horizon.
The security publication CSO Online published a report regarding enforcement agency EuroPol and its law enforcement’s actions in Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Germany and the UK in December, which resulted in the arrest of two people involved in the DDOS group DD4BC, also known as DDoS 4 Bitcoin.
Police have been investigating incidences over the course of 18 months involving various targeted online sectors.
A statement revealed that an international police operation, known as Op Pleiades, raided members of DD4BC in Bosnia and Herzegovina back in December. Arrests and evidence seizures resulted from the raids.
The statement also says that DD4BC has been focusing on "pseudonymous payment mechanisms" and is believed to be responsible for a string of extortion campaigns involving Bitcoins since 2014.
"DD4BC primarily targeted the online gambling industry, but has recently broadened their activity to the financial services and entertainment sector as well as other high-profile companies," EuroPol said.
"Businesses that pay the ransom to the blackmailers risk appearing vulnerable and being targeted again for a higher amount."
Deputy director operations at EuroPol, Wil van Gemert, explains that the Op Pleiades success is a great example of why incident reporting and information sharing among law enforcement and the victims/targets of DDoS attacks is critical.
pinkxxx
8 years ago
Im so glad to read this ....finally something is being done. So many sites have been affected lately. I think its pathetic now blackmailing . In past been a huge problems for all sorts of websites , most DDoS attacks are just to overload the server and bring the site down until its fixed which causes delay and in many cases...
Im so glad to read this ....finally something is being done. So many sites have been affected lately. I think its pathetic now blackmailing . In past been a huge problems for all sorts of websites , most DDoS attacks are just to overload the server and bring the site down until its fixed which causes delay and in many cases loss of revenue . Its ridiculous , hopefully now can we can hope to see a decline in these attacks . Maybe knowing they can be policed will help detour ...but we all know that's a stretch , always a gutsy criminal roaming round out there somewhere.
Show morePlease enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
jade
8 years ago
I guess two arrests are better than none, but it seems pretty insignificant, well, number wise I mean. Are these two arrests the beginning of the end for these cyber crooks. The stuff these criminals do to an online operation or business can change their outcome from success to failure. It must be a terrifying experience...
I guess two arrests are better than none, but it seems pretty insignificant, well, number wise I mean. Are these two arrests the beginning of the end for these cyber crooks. The stuff these criminals do to an online operation or business can change their outcome from success to failure. It must be a terrifying experience for anyone to have their very livelihood threatened by someone or something that is virtually invisible. I say, if these two are guilty, take off their glasses, then throw them under the prison until they agree to help catch the rest of them.
Show morePlease enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
JennaROX
8 years ago
So they attack a company, then demand taxes to back off? Sounds like they are Gang-Banging on the internet!! Crazy! ;)
Please enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
eberetta1
8 years ago
Finally. Can not happen soon enough. People think it is a joke to do this and there are no consequences. I am sure they would not like their lives disrupted in the same way. Hope this year alot of ddos attackers get put behind bars.
Please enter your comment.
Your comment is added.