The Justice Department has announced a significant move against distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, seizing 27 internet domains linked to DDoS-for-hire services and charging two individuals allegedly involved in running these platforms. The action targets websites that enabled users to conduct DDoS attacks, which overwhelm targeted computers with data, disrupting their internet access.

These "booter" services have reportedly affected various entities, including educational institutions, government agencies, and gaming platforms. The FBI and Defense Criminal Investigative Services (DCIS) revealed that despite some sites claiming to offer network testing services, communications between administrators and customers indicated otherwise.

United States Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California stated, "Booter services facilitate cyberattacks that harm victims and compromise everyone’s ability to access the internet." He emphasized the importance of this law enforcement activity in combating threats to digital infrastructure.

Assistant Director Akil Davis of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office warned potential users and administrators about the criminal nature of DDoS activities. Special Agent Kenneth DeChellis from DCIS highlighted the disruption caused by such attacks on critical information systems.

The operation coincides with a period when DDoS attacks typically increase. One defendant is charged in Los Angeles, while another faces charges in Anchorage, Alaska. Ricardo Cesar Colli from Brazil is accused of operating a booter service named Securityhide.net.

In Alaska, an indictment remains sealed as authorities work internationally for an arrest. An advertising campaign has been launched by Homeland Security Investigations and international partners to deter potential cybercriminals.

This effort is part of Operation PowerOFF, targeting illegal DDoS infrastructures globally. The investigation involves collaboration with several international law enforcement agencies and private sector partners like Akamai and Google.

Over recent years, similar actions have led to charges against nine defendants and the seizure of over 75 domains related to DDoS-for-hire services. This ongoing investigation aims to dismantle known booter sites and educate the public on their illegality.