Operation Eastwood: Major Takedown of Pro-Russian DDoS Network

TL;DR

• Operation Eastwood led by Europol dismantled over 100 servers used by the pro-Russian hacktivist group NoName057(16) to launch DDoS attacks on websites supporting Ukraine.
• Two Russian suspects were arrested, with seven more warrants issued.

Operation Eastwood: A Major Blow to Pro-Russian Cyber Threats

International Cooperation Leads to Significant Arrests

In a significant cybersecurity operation, international law enforcement agencies, led by Europol, successfully shut down more than 100 servers associated with the pro-Russian hacktivist group NoName057(16). This group has been notorious for launching Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks against websites that support Ukraine. The operation, codenamed Operation Eastwood, resulted in the arrest of two Russian suspects, with seven additional warrants issued for other individuals involved in the cybercrimes¹.

Dismantling the Cyber Infrastructure

The servers taken down were instrumental in orchestrating DDoS attacks, which overwhelm target websites with traffic, rendering them inaccessible. These attacks have been a persistent threat to various organizations and platforms that have shown support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict. The coordinated effort by international authorities highlights the growing importance of global cooperation in combating cyber threats².

Impact and Future Implications

Operation Eastwood serves as a stern warning to cybercriminals and hacktivist groups that their activities will not go unpunished. The successful takedown of these servers not only disrupts the immediate threat but also sends a clear message about the consequences of engaging in such malicious activities. As cyber threats continue to evolve, international cooperation and proactive measures will be crucial in maintaining cybersecurity and protecting critical infrastructure³.

Conclusion

The success of Operation Eastwood underscores the effectiveness of international cooperation in dismantling cyber threats. By taking down key servers and arresting suspects, law enforcement agencies have dealt a significant blow to pro-Russian hacktivist groups. This operation serves as a model for future efforts in combating cybercrime and ensuring the security of digital infrastructure.

Additional Resources

For further insights, check:

• Europol Press Release on Operation Eastwood

References

1. (2025-07-16). “Operation Eastwood leads to arrests and server takedowns”. The Register. Retrieved 2025-07-16. ↩︎

2. Europol (2025-07-16). “Europol Press Release on Operation Eastwood”. Europol. Retrieved 2025-07-16. ↩︎

3. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) (2025-07-16). “CISA Advisory on DDoS Attacks”. CISA. Retrieved 2025-07-16. ↩︎