Dutch Services Disrupted by DDoS Attacks From Russian-Affiliated Hacktivists

Multiple Dutch organizations have experienced significant service disruptions this week due to a series of coordinated Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks.

These attacks, which have also targeted other European organizations, are believed to be the work of a pro-Russian hacktivist group NoName057(16), according to official statements and ongoing investigations by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

Wave of Disruptions Across Public and Private Sectors

Both public and private sector organizations in the Netherlands have fallen victim to these large-scale DDoS attacks.

The primary objective of a DDoS attack is to overload online services, servers, or crucial network equipment with an overwhelming volume of traffic.

The result, websites and digital systems become slow or completely inaccessible, cutting off users from vital information and essential services.

For many organizations reliant on online operations, these disruptions pose serious operational challenges. Users have reported difficulties in logging into accounts, accessing services, and obtaining information.

While these attacks disrupt normal service provision, cybersecurity experts reassure the public that DDoS attacks do not involve breaches or theft of sensitive data; the integrity and confidentiality of personal data remain intact.

Attributing DDoS attacks to specific individuals or groups is notoriously difficult. However, several of this week’s incidents have been publicly claimed by the Russian-affiliated hacktivist collective NoName057(16).

Cybersecurity analysts suggest that the attacks are ideologically motivated and align with broader pro-Russian cyber disruption campaigns targeting European infrastructure amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The Dutch NCSC is actively monitoring the situation in collaboration with national and international partners.

The agency has intensified its vigilance regarding hacktivist activity, especially actors like NoName057(16).

Where possible, the NCSC is notifying potential future targets and guiding mitigation strategies, helping organizations reduce their vulnerability and respond more effectively to ongoing threats.

As the situation develops, the NCSC continues its investigation and information sharing, underscoring the importance of collective vigilance and preparedness in the face of evolving cyber threats.