Security News > 2023 > August > LOLEKHosted admin arrested for aiding Netwalker ransomware gang
A bulletproof hosting provider is a hosting company that turns a blind eye to reports of criminal activity or the hosting of copyrighted material on their servers.
Cybercriminals prefer these types of hosting providers over traditional companies, as they can launch cybercrime campaigns without fear that they will be shut down after malicious activity is reported.
The DOJ also states that Grabowski allegedly aided the now-disrupted ransomware operation known as Netwalker by renting servers used in over 50 attacks to breach networks and store stolen data and hacking tools.
Law enforcement seized the bulletproof hosting provider's servers on August 8th in an operation led by the FBI and IRS, with Europol providing support linking available data to various criminal cases within and outside the EU, as well as tracing cryptocurrency transactions.
As bulletproof hosting providers have become a significant component in malware distribution and cybercrime, law enforcement has been actively targeting these platforms.
In 2018, the Dutch police seized MaxiDed for hosting DDoS botnets, cyber-espionage, malvertising, spam, and malware operations.