German Authorities Take Down FlyHosting, a Dark Web DDoS-for-Hire Service
German authorities have dealt a blow to cybercrime, seizing servers and arresting suspects linked to FlyHosting, a dark web service used for DDoS-for-hire attacks. The operation, coordinated with international partners, follows a string of similar actions worldwide.
On March 30, German authorities served eight search warrants and identified five suspects, aged 16-24, for operating FlyHosting since mid-2021. The servers, located in Germany, Finland, and the Netherlands, were seized along with mobile devices, laptops, tablets, and handwritten notes.
FlyHosting was a notorious platform on the dark web, advertising its services on cybercrime forums since November 2022. It offered hosting for malware, botnet controllers, and DDoS-for-hire infrastructure. The service was used to facilitate DDoS attacks against various companies and even the Hesse police.
This operation is part of a global crackdown on DDoS-for-hire services. In December 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice seized dozens of domains and charged six men for their alleged involvement. Meanwhile, the U.K.'s National Crime Agency has been setting up fake DDoS-for-hire websites to gather information and sow paranoia among potential attackers.
The seizure of FlyHosting's servers and the arrest of its operators send a clear message to cybercriminals. International cooperation is crucial in combating online crime, as seen in this coordinated effort. The investigation is ongoing, and further details may emerge.
