From PCMAG · Michael Kan · · 1m 20s
FBI shuts down notorious DDoS attack marketplace
The FBI seized NightmareStresser, a platform that sold access to distributed denial-of-service attacks for years.
In brief
The FBI seized NightmareStresser, a platform that sold access to distributed denial-of-service attacks for years. NightmareStresser, which had over 566,000 users and facilitated hundreds of thousands of DDoS attacks since 2020, was taken down by the FBI using court-authorized seizure orders. Originally reported by…
FBI seizes notorious DDoS marketplace
The FBI has shut down NightmareStresser, a site that sold access to distributed denial-of-service attacks. The Justice Department announced the seizure on Tuesday using court-authorized orders.
Years of attacks fueled by one platform
Since at least 2020, NightmareStresser had enabled hundreds of thousands of actual or attempted DDoS attacks targeting victims worldwide. The service overwhelmed and disrupted access to internet services.
Half a million users paid for attacks
NightmareStresser had over 566,000 registered users and charged between 25 to 19,999 euros for various DDoS methods and intensities. The site made launching attacks accessible to anyone.
Site claimed eight years of operation
NightmareStresser marketed itself as the longest-running and most powerful DDoS platform, claiming it hadn't gone down in over eight years. The site portrayed itself as offering stress-testing services.
“Backed by the most experienced minds in the DDoS industry, it now stands tall as the longest-running, most powerful, and most respected platform of its kind.”
Part of broader law enforcement effort
The seizure is part of Operation PowerOFF, an ongoing international law enforcement initiative targeting DDoS services. However, NightmareStresser could potentially return under a new domain.
In short
NightmareStresser, which had over 566,000 users and facilitated hundreds of thousands of DDoS attacks since 2020, was taken down by the FBI using court-authorized seizure orders.
