FBI Warns Businesses For Extortion Through DDoS Attacks

The FBI has warned businesses through extortion DDoS attacks on their websites, as these attacks take place more often. The past few months have also several security companies to this form of extortion warned .

The attacks are carried out by a group that DD4BC (DDoS for Bitcoin) names and since last July is active. The FBI warning that Public Intelligence published ( PDF ), the group is not mentioned, but the method does is mentioned is identical. There is first a DDoS attack on the website of the company which usually takes place about an hour and has a size of 20 to 40 Gbps.You then send an e-mail with the demands of the attackers. That require an amount to be paid in bitcoin.

If the victim does not meet the requirements there will be a powerful DDoS attack within 24 hours, which lasts an hour and again has a size of 40 to 50 Gbps. This attack is succeeded by a warning. According to the FBI know most attacked companies to turn down the DDoS attacks by enabling the anti-DDoS services from third parties instead of paying the ransom. Where the attackers had first mainly on gambling sites provide, since April this year, other sectors targeted and larger amounts are required.

Banks worldwide extorted through DDoS attacks

A group of cyber criminals who extorted in the past, online casinos and gambling sites via DDoS attacks now focuses on leading banks, trading platforms and other financial institutions. Before warns security firm Arbor Networks. The group calls itself DD4BC criminals (DDoS for Bitcoin), and since last July active . In recent months, both the number and the scale of the attacks increased.

The company's website is first attacked shortly, so the group can determine the effectiveness of the DDoS attack. If it is successful there will be a mail in which a certain amount is required. Is not paid, then there is a severe and prolonged DDoS attack. In a warning to customers Arbor Networks describes 37 attacks / campaigns that carried the group. The actual number of victims is higher, because not all victims of the attacks on their website made ​​public, especially if they paid the amount requested.

The amount varies by asking the attackers attack. Some victims had to pay 100 bitcoin, what with the current exchange rate with 21,000 euro contract. Still, Arbor Networks advises companies not to pay the ransom. This will encourage criminals merely had to return to extort more money to continue their attacks. The group denies this and claims that the company only targets at once. Meanwhile there is also a reward of 110 bitcoin (23,000 euros) offered for information that the group can be unmasked.