Finnish police launch large-scale operation against distributed denial-of-service attacks

The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (KRP) has sent warnings to thousands of Finns suspected of using illegal distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack services, Yle reports. The operation is part of an international crackdown coordinated by Europol.

According to KRP, the number of Finns purchasing cybercrime services has grown alarmingly. In 2024, police sent warnings to hundreds of users, but this time the operation targets thousands.

Recipients of the warning are informed that they registered on a now-seized website offering illegal DDoS services. The notice clarifies the illegality of such platforms and urges users to cease all activity.

KRP investigator Mikko Rauhamaa stated that the high number of users indicates a troubling trend: “The widespread use of these crime-as-a-service platforms is concerning even in Finland.”

Europol’s operation has already shut down 53 illegal DDoS-for-hire services this April. These attacks can disrupt critical online services, including banking and healthcare systems.

Police note that motives behind such attacks range from curiosity and harassment to financial gain. The ease of purchasing cybercrime services has contributed to their growing popularity.