The Internet has become central to commerce, communication, and virtually every other aspect of modern life. As such, the United States government has placed increased emphasis on defining, detecting, and prosecuting computer crimes, including distributed denial-of-service attacks.
Charges for federal DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attacks in South Florida can be difficult to contest and result in life-altering sanctions for even first-time offenders. Seeking the help of a federal internet crimes defense lawyer is crucial to building a strong defense and proactively protecting your long-term interests. The legal team at Rossen Law Firm is here for you.
How Federal Law Defines DDoS Attacks
A distributed denial-of-service attack slows down web server performance by overloading it with more information than it can handle. This overload can cause servers to crash, interrupting web services and potentially corrupting data.
These computer crimes are usually done intentionally by individuals seeking to inconvenience or financially harm individuals and businesses. Unlike a denial-of-service (DoS) attack, which originates from a single computer, a DDoS attack is when someone uses a “botnet” of multiple devices with more power. This system of computers is more difficult to trace but contains malware that allows it to be controlled by the person conducting the attack.
There are a few common methods of conducting DDoS attacks. “Volumetric attacks” overload servers with data requests, while more complex attacks can target specific components of communication between networked computers. Regardless of the circumstances, federal authorities may prosecute DDoS attacks under
18 U.S. Code § 1030(a)(5)(A) as a form of “fraud and related activity in connection with computers.” A Fort Lauderdale attorney with experience contesting DDoS charges in South Florida can further explain how
federal law defines and treats these attacks.
Building a Strong Defense for an Alleged DDoS Attack
Under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, committing a DDoS attack is considered a federal criminal offense. Anyone in South Florida found to have caused harm to a computer or server by transmitting a “program, information, code, or command” without authorization may be subject upon conviction to 10 years maximum in prison and a $500,000 maximum fine. Conspiracy to commit a DDoS attack could carry a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
As with other forms of
fraud, the prosecution must demonstrate that the defendant had knowledge of and intentions behind the DDoS attack for it to be considered a federal crime. If a prosecutor cannot prove that a defendant knowingly overloaded a targeted computer or server or intended for their actions to cause harm, the prosecution may not be able to secure a guilty conviction. Support from an
expert lawyer is vital to constructing a comprehensive and strong defense for anyone facing charges for distributed denial-of-service attacks in South Florida.
A Fort Lauderdale Attorney Can Help with Federal DDOS Attack Charges
Being accused of a DDoS attack is a serious matter that could lead to you facing prosecution in federal court. Failing to thoroughly understand and proactively enforce your rights when handling these allegations could leave you facing a long prison sentence and hefty fines.
The
award-winning attorneys at Rossen Law Firm are prepared to fight for you and your rights. When it comes to fighting back against federal DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attacks in South Florida, there is no substitute for representation from a strong defense lawyer.
Call today for a
free strategy session.