AmpNode.com was a DDoS-for-hire service that provided "bulletproof" server hosting for clients to launch distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. The service allowed users to pre-configure servers with DDoS attack scripts and lists of vulnerable "attack amplifiers" to launch simultaneous cyberattacks on victims. AmpNode.com was operated by Matthew Gatrel, who was sentenced to two years in federal prison for running this and another DDoS-for-hire website, DownThem.org. The service had thousands of clients and launched attacks against more than 200,000 targets, including homes, schools, universities, financial institutions, and local government websites. Gatrel's services also provided expert advice and guidance to clients on the best attack methods and how to bypass DDoS protection services.
