FBI and RCMP Seize Domains Linked to NightmareStresser DDoS-for-Hire Service
Summary
The FBI and Royal Canadian Mounted Police seized NightmareStresser domains in Operation PowerOFF. Officials said the service enabled hundreds of thousands of DDoS attacks or attempted attacks since at least 2022; experts warn similar services may reappear.
Key points
- Authorities seized NightmareStresser’s primary domain and related websites; the primary domain now displays a seizure notice.
- Officials said the service was used for hundreds of thousands of DDoS attacks or attempted attacks since at least 2022.
- The FBI Anchorage field office and Royal Canadian Mounted Police carried out the seizures as part of the ongoing Operation PowerOFF effort.
- Officials said customers targeted victims in the United States and abroad, including educational institutions, government agencies and gaming platforms.
- The operators were not named, and authorities did not identify the service’s country of origin.
- A researcher said the service may be replaced quickly as similar DDoS-for-hire services remain accessible.
Article Details
- Event Type
- Law enforcement seizure of domains associated with the DDoS-for-hire service NightmareStresser, as part of Operation PowerOFF.
- Impact
- The service had enabled hundreds of thousands of DDoS attacks or attempted attacks since at least 2022. Its seized domains are disrupted, but the article notes that similar services may quickly reappear under new providers.
People
Countries
Russiathreat actors behind NightmareStresser claimed they were operating under the laws of the Russian Federation, which is a strong sign that it may be challenging to bring these folks to justice, even if theyUnited StatesOfficials said NightmareStresser’s customers targeted various victims in the United States and abroad, including educational institutions, government agencies, gaming platforms and millions of people.
Industries
GamingThese services have been heavily used against gaming servers and streamers,” Edwards said.GovernmentOfficials said NightmareStresser’s customers targeted various victims in the United States and abroad, including educational institutions, government agencies, gaming platforms and millions of people.