International Operation PowerOFF Warns 75,000 DDoS Users, Takes Down 53 Domains

Law enforcement agencies across 21 countries have warned more than 75,000 individuals using distributed denial-of-service platforms during the latest phase of Operation PowerOFF. The coordinated international action, supported by Europol, resulted in four arrests, the takedown of 53 domains, and 25 search warrants. Authorities targeted users of "booter services" that rent out DDoS attack capabilities. Operation PowerOFF focuses on disrupting DDoS-for-hire platforms that allow customers to pay for access to networks of compromised routers and Internet of Things devices. These services are sometimes marketed as legitimate stress-testing tools but lack proper verification mechanisms. The latest action builds on previous phases that dismantled key infrastructure and seized databases containing over 3 million criminal accounts. Europol says the operation is now entering a prevention phase with awareness campaigns. Prevention measures include search engine ads targeting young people seeking DDoS tools, removal of more than 100 URLs promoting illegal services, and blockchain warnings tied to illicit payments. The operation spans multiple European Union countries as well as Australia, Thailand, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Brazil.