📅 2026 Update: Recent Developments in Cybercrime Legislation

Since this article was originally written, there have been important changes in U.S. laws regarding cybercrime. New legislation aims to protect citizens from online threats and enhance reporting mechanisms. The details below highlight these significant updates relevant to denial of service attacks and other cybercrimes.

The earlier article continues further down the page.

🚨 New Cybercrime Executive Order

On March 6, 2026, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14390. This order focuses on combating cybercrime, fraud, and predatory schemes against American citizens.

It aims to strengthen efforts to protect individuals from various online threats. This includes enhancing resources for reporting and addressing cybercrimes.

📸 TAKE IT DOWN Act

The TAKE IT DOWN Act was signed into law on May 19, 2025. This law criminalizes the non-consensual publication of intimate images, including AI-generated deepfakes. Online platforms must remove such content within 48 hours after proper flagging.

This legislation is crucial for victims of cyberbullying and online harassment.

📜 Cybersecurity Act of 2015

The Cybersecurity Act of 2015, facilitating voluntary threat information sharing between private entities and the government, is set to expire on September 30, 2026, unless Congress takes action to extend it. This law plays a vital role in combatting cyber threats and sharing vital information to prevent cybercrimes.

⚖️ Victim Restoration Program

As part of Executive Order 14390, the Attorney General has been tasked with establishing a Victim Restoration Program. Recommendations for this program are due within 90 days. This initiative aims to provide restitution to victims of cyber-enabled fraud schemes, highlighting the government's commitment to supporting victims.

📌 Key Points Summary

  • 🚨 Executive Order 14390 focuses on combating cybercrime.
  • 📸 TAKE IT DOWN Act criminalizes non-consensual intimate images.
  • 📜 Cybersecurity Act of 2015 set to expire unless extended.
  • ⚖️ Victim Restoration Program aims to support victims of fraud.

💡 Practical Tips for Handling Cybercrime

Review your situation with an attorney to explore your legal options.

📞 Report Cybercrime Promptly

If you suspect you are a victim of cybercrime, report it to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Timely reporting can help authorities investigate and take necessary actions against offenders.

🛡️ Utilize Government Resources

Make use of free resources available to victims, such as the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative. They offer support and information for individuals affected by non-consensual intimate imagery and other cyber-related issues.

🔍 Stay Informed About Legislation

Keep up to date on cybercrime laws and regulations. Understanding your rights and the protections available can empower you to take action if you encounter cyber threats.

⚠️ Be Aware of Deepfake Risks

With 48 states now addressing deepfakes through new laws, stay vigilant about the risks posed by altered media. Recognize that deepfakes can be used maliciously and seek help if you believe you are a victim.

📅 Keep Track of Deadlines

Be aware of important deadlines, such as those related to the Cybersecurity Act of 2015 and the recommendations for the Victim Restoration Program. Staying informed can help you take advantage of available protections and support.

🏆 Cybercrime Services Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

This section highlights services that can assist with cybercrime issues. The ranking is based on Trustpilot data checked in October 2026. Scores can change over time, and it's important to consider that unhappy customers often leave more reviews.

Ratings are just one aspect to consider when evaluating services.

🥇 1. ABC Legal Services

ABC Legal Services holds a Trustpilot score of 4.3. It has been known for its legal services, private investigation, and process serving. However, it primarily focuses on process serving, which may not cover all aspects of cybercrime assistance.

🥈 2. LegalShield

LegalShield has a Trustpilot score of 4.5. This company specializes in legal services and can assist individuals facing various legal issues, including those related to cybercrime. It is important to note that its primary focus is on general legal services rather than specifically on cybercrime.

🆓 Free Government and Nonprofit Help

Individuals can find assistance through the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). This platform allows users to report cybercrimes and receive necessary guidance. Additionally, the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative provides support for victims of non-consensual intimate imagery, helping them navigate their legal options.

🔎 Key Factors to Compare Cybercrime Services

  • 🏢 Type of services offered
  • ⭐ Trustpilot ratings and review counts
  • 💬 Customer feedback and experiences
  • 📞 Availability of legal support resources

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What should I do if I receive a denial of service threat?

If you receive a denial of service threat, document the threat and report it to the appropriate authorities, such as the FBI's IC3. Taking immediate action can help protect your online assets.

🔒 How does the TAKE IT DOWN Act impact victims?

The TAKE IT DOWN Act provides legal protection against the non-consensual publication of intimate images, including deepfakes. Victims can report such incidents and expect removal of harmful content within 48 hours.

📅 What are the consequences of violating the CFAA?

Violations of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) can lead to penalties, including fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense. This law serves as a deterrent against cybercrimes.

🛡️ How can I protect myself from cybercrime?

To protect yourself from cybercrime, use strong passwords, activate two-factor authentication, and stay informed about the latest security threats. Regularly update your software to safeguard against vulnerabilities.

📜 What resources are available for victims of cyber-enabled fraud?

Victims of cyber-enabled fraud can access resources through the FBI's IC3 and nonprofit organizations like the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative. These platforms provide support and guidance for individuals seeking help.

📈 Are there any laws specific to deepfakes?

As of October 2026, 48 states have enacted laws addressing deepfakes, focusing on sexually explicit content and election-related materials. These laws aim to protect individuals from the misuse of deepfake technology.

⚖️ Recent Court Cases Related to Cybercrime

Recent court rulings have addressed various aspects of cybercrime, including denial of service attacks and the legal implications of deepfakes. These cases highlight the evolving legal landscape surrounding online offenses.

For more recent rulings, feel free to check more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update





What is a Denial-of-service Attack?

Also known as a distributed denial-of-service attack (DDOS), a denial-of-service attack is an attempt to impede a computer’s intended users from accessing resources latent in the system. 

A DDOS is a form of computer virus that severely disrupts the processing speed of the computer’s network. 

In most instances, a denial-of-service attack is issued by an individual or organization to prevent an Internet site or service from functioning. As a result of this somewhat broad function, a denial-of-service attack, the means to carry out, the motives to initiate, and the targets of a DDOS will greatly vary based on a case-by-case circumstance.

5 Ways to Perform Denial of Service Attack

Perpetrators of a denial-of-service attack will typically target sites or computer services which are hosted on high-profile web networks, such as credit card payment portals, banking sites and root name servers.

A DDOS is considered to be a grave violation of the IAB’s Internet proper use policy. In addition, denial-of-service attacks violate the acceptable use policies aligned with the majority of Internet service providers. 

A DDOS is also regarded as illegal in the majority of nations. The legality issues revolving around denial-of-service attacks will fluctuate based on the individual laws of a particular nation. 



Methods of Attack

The most common method of a DDOS involves saturating the targeted network with external communication requests so that it cannot respond effectively to legitimate traffic or users. In general terms, denial-of-service attacks are implemented by forcing a targeted computer to shut down or by consuming the target’s resources so that it is unable to provide it basic service. In essence, denial-of-service attacks obstruct the communication media between the intended user and the targeted user so that they can no longer access the Internet or effectively communicate. 

A DDOS is performed in five basic ways:

1)    Denial-of-service attacks can be delivered through the consumption of the targeted computer’s resources, such as the system’s disk space, its processor, or bandwith.

2)    A DDOS can be implemented by disrupting the configuration information (such as the routing information).

3)    Denial-of-service attacks can disrupt the physical network components of the targeted computer.

4)    A DDOS can be delivered by obstructing the communication media between the intended users and the targeted victim so that they can longer communicate.

5)    Denial-of-service attacks can be implemented through the disruption of state information, such as resetting TCP sessions.

In addition to these basic methods, denial-of-service attacks may be incorporated with malware to max out the targeted processor’s usage or to trigger errors in the microcode of the terminal. 



Symptoms of a DDOS attack

When a computer or network falls victim to a DDOS attack it will typically possess the following symptoms:

Uncharacteristically slow network performance. Opening files or accessing web sites is extremely delayed;

Inability to access websites or particular websites;

Dramatic increase in the number of solicitation or spam emails received. This form of DDOS is typically classified or known as an e-mail bomb DDOS.