NETSCOUT SYSTEMS, INC. has released its 2H2024 DDoS Threat Intelligence Report. The report reveals a sharp rise in Distributed Denial of Service [DDoS] attacks as a preferred tactic in global cyberwarfare. These attacks are increasingly used to exploit moments of political tension, targeting government systems, public infrastructure, and service providers.
The report highlights dramatic spikes in DDoS activity connected to political events, including a 2,844% increase in Israel amid conflicts, a 1,489% rise in Georgia during policy debates, a 218% surge in Mexico during national elections, and a 152% jump in the UK tied to parliamentary activity.
“DDoS has become a weapon of choice in modern cyber conflicts,” said Richard Hummel, NETSCOUT’s director of threat intelligence. “Groups like NoName057[16] led politically motivated campaigns across Europe, repeatedly targeting government services in the UK, Belgium, and Spain.”
AI-Powered DDoS Attacks Threaten Global Infrastructure
The report details how AI-powered DDoS-for-hire services and automation are accelerating the scale and impact of attacks. Nearly 90% of these services now use AI to bypass CAPTCHAs and launch dynamic campaigns that exploit network vulnerabilities like carpet bombing, geo-spoofing, and IPv6 targeting.
Botnets, though slightly reduced in number [down 5%], remain a potent force, leveraging enterprise infrastructure to strengthen attacks. Despite law enforcement operations such as Operation PowerOFF, attackers quickly adapt, restoring platforms and maintaining global attack volumes.
DDoS attacks continue to evolve rapidly, posing persistent threats to businesses, governments, and internet infrastructure. NETSCOUT stresses the need for intelligence-driven, automated defense strategies to keep pace with these increasingly sophisticated threats.
With visibility into over two-thirds of global IPv4 traffic and tens of thousands of daily attacks, NETSCOUT offers unique insights into the shifting threat landscape. Its global monitoring of botnets and attack platforms ensures organizations can defend against a threat environment that is faster, smarter, and more relentless than ever.
