Security News > 2023 > March > UK creates fake DDoS-for-hire sites to identify cybercriminals
The U.K.'s National Crime Agency revealed today that they created multiple fake DDoS-for-hire service websites to identify cybercriminals who utilize these platforms to attack organizations.
NCA says several thousands of people accessed its fake sites, which had a realistic appearance as a genuine booter service.
Instead of giving access to DDoS tools, they only served to collect information about those who wished to use these services.
After successfully infiltrating the cybercrime market and gathering information about those purchasing illegal services, the agency revealed the operation by displaying a splash page on only one of its fake sites.
The NCA warns that many fake law enforcement-operated booter sites are still being used to gather information on cyber criminals.
"National Crime Agency has collected substantial data from those who accessed our domain. We will share this data with International Law Enforcement Enforcement for action. Individuals in the U.K. who engaged with this will be contacted by Law Enforcement," reads the NCA splash page on the fake DDoS booter site.