Russian law enforcement has successfully shut down 100 servers associated with the notorious NoName05716 hacking group, known for its DDoS attacks on various targets. This operation reflects ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime and disrupt malicious online activities in the region.
Ethan J. Foltz, a 22-year-old from Oregon, has been arrested for allegedly operating "Rapper Bot," a large botnet used for launching DDoS attacks, including a significant attack that disrupted Twitter/X in March 2025. Federal investigators tracked Foltz's activities through financial records and chat logs, revealing that he and a co-conspirator extorted online businesses using the botnet's capabilities, which could generate massive amounts of junk data per second. Foltz now faces criminal charges that could lead to a maximum of 10 years in prison if convicted.
Europol has successfully dismantled six major DDoS-for-hire services that were responsible for numerous cyberattacks across Europe. The operation involved multiple law enforcement agencies and aimed to curb the growing trend of cybercriminals offering DDoS attacks as a service. This crackdown is part of ongoing efforts to enhance cybersecurity and reduce online threats.