The DDoS that almost broke the internet

[Mahone]

An interesting read, especially for those in the IT field.

The DDoS That Almost Broke the Internet - CloudFlare blog

[Dravin]

Interesting. I lack the IT background to fully understand the implications of everything, but it is interesting nonetheless.

[estradling75]

What I found interesting was what other articles are claiming is the cause or the reason for the attack

[Vort]

If we could only find a way to convince the Islamofascist terrorists that these internet vandals were disgracing the holy name of Muhammed (PBOH), the problem would quickly be solved.

[Dravin]

What I found interesting was what other articles are claiming is the cause or the reason for the attack

Do tell.

[Mahone]

Do tell.

There are several groups claiming responsibility for the attacks, but spamhaus believe it was a dutch internet service provider that they had recently put onto their block list, as they were hosting several prolific spammers.

The network I run at work ended up on a spamhaus block list twice in the past few years due to a firewall vulnerability. I had hundreds of bounced e-mails on our e-mail servers within minutes of each block - less than 5% of our outgoing e-mail was reaching its intended recipients until we got ourselves removed from the list. Adding known spammers to the list really does help stem the flow of spam.

Edited March 28, 2013 by Mahone

[estradling75]

From what I understand

spamhaus (aka the target) is a blacklisting company.

Basically if your servers start cranking out spam... Spamhaus blacklists you and any group that gets spamhaus's lists uses it to automatically block spam from your servers. (Greatly simplified explanation)

Well some group didn't like that Spamhaus blacklisted them. They complained but Spamhaus held firm. So that group launches the attacks to take Spamhaus down.

To me the interesting part is by launching the attack (assuming it is them) they have (for me at least) totally validated Spamhaus call and judgement that they are up to no good.

[RipplecutBuddha]

Give someone enough networking cables and they'll take themselves off the internet?

[Mahone]

Give someone enough networking cables and they'll take themselves off the internet?

And the rest of the world whilst they're at it.