Denial of service (DoS) or Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks: Frequently asked questions

In a DoS attack, the attacker floods the IP address of the targeted device (usually an Xbox 360 console or a computer) with external, useless communication requests, thereby leaving it unable to connect to the Internet and, therefore, to Xbox LIVE. The attack is not directed not at Xbox LIVE. Instead, it is directed at the IP address of the targeted device.

In a DDoS attack, the attacker uses malicious code installed on multiple computers to identify and attack the target device. Attackers who initiate a DDoS attack do so to have a greater effect on the targeted device than a DoS attack initiated from a single device.

If your Xbox 360 console experiences a DoS or DDoS attack, you probably won't be able to connect to Xbox LIVE from your console, and all Internet connectivity in your household will be down.

If you believe that your Xbox 360 console or computer has experienced a DoS or DDoS attack, you should do the following:

• Reset your Internet router (see "Solution 2: Restart your network equipment")
• Contact your ISP
• If you are certain of the identity of the DoS or DDoS attacker:
  • Contact the attacker’s ISP
  • File a complaint with Xbox. (To learn more about how to file a complaint, see Player complaints and Xbox LIVE suspensions and bans.)
    • When you file the complaint, select the "tampering" category when filling out your complaint form.
• Avoid the individual in the future when you use Xbox LIVE

If you're currently experiencing a DoS or DDoS attack, try resetting your Internet router (that is, your DSL or cable modem), which may resolve the DoS or DDoS attack. A proper reset involves removing the power source for 5 to 10 minutes. This will increase the likelihood that you will get a new IP address that the attacker will not have access to.

If you try the above and still experience the DoS or DDoS attack, contact your ISP to report the attack.

To determine the identity of the individual who initiated a DoS or DDoS attack on your Xbox 360 console or your computer, contact your ISP.

Note DoS or DDoS attacks are sometimes used as retaliation following online, multi-player gameplay. DoS or DDoS attackers also sometimes threaten the players whose devices they later attack with comments such as "I'm going to IP boot you," "I'm going to flood your IP," or "I'm going to boot you off the Internet."

If you believe you know the identity of the DoS or DDoS attacker, you may want to submit a player review, avoid the threatening individual in the future, and play online games only with friends and trusted individuals.

If your Xbox 360 console or your computer experiences a DoS or DDoS attack, Xbox Support agents will not be able to determine the identity of the DoS or DDoS attacker.

To determine the identity of the DoS or DDoS attacker, contact your ISP.

DoS and DDoS attacks do not happen in the Xbox LIVE service. Instead, they happen through the IP address of the attacked device.

For more information about preventing DoS and DDoS attacks, contact your ISP.