Justice Department seizes domains used in denial-of-service attacks

The U.S. Justice Department seized 15 internet domains associated with denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks in December.

The sites offered customers DDoS attacks that targeted computers with information and prevent them from being able to access the internet. These services are referred to as “booter” or “stresser” services.

According to legal documents, the services attacked victims worldwide. Targets included government systems, internet service providers, universities, financial institutions, and gaming platforms.

“The attack-for-hire websites targeted in this investigation offered customers the ability to disrupt computer networks on a massive scale, undermining the internet infrastructure on which we all rely,” U.S. Attorney Nicola T. Hanna said. “While this week’s crackdown will have a significant impact on this burgeoning criminal industry, there are other sites offering these services – and we will continue our efforts to rid the internet of these websites. We are committed to seeing the internet remain a forum for the free and unfettered exchange of information.”

The department also charged three defendants who operated the seized domains.

David Bukoski, of Hanover Township, Penn., was charged by the District of Alaska and Matthew Gatrel, of St. Charles, Ill., and Juan Martinez, of Pasadena, Calif., were charged by the Central District of California.