Back to Home11/18/2025, 3:19:32 PM
Ask HN: Reason for the DDoS attacks on DALnet circa 2002?
Mood
thoughtful
Sentiment
neutral
Category
tech
Key topics
IRC
DDoS
network security
history
Watching DALnet get almost completely destroyed by sustained DDoS attacks around 2002 was a formative memory for me, but I never did figure out why it happened, or what made DALnet more vulnerable than other IRC networks. Many of the simple explanations (warez? extortion? demo of botnet-for-hire?) don't really seem likely, and don't fit the facts.
Does anyone know what the story really was?
The author is seeking information about a series of DDoS attacks on DALnet in 2002, a formative experience that still puzzles them, and is looking for insights into the motivations and vulnerabilities involved.
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ID: 45967380Type: storyLast synced: 11/18/2025, 3:20:41 PM
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