What Is an IP Stresser: Is it Legal, or Safe?
An IP stresser tests the strength of a network, server, or website by simulating a DDoS attack. A few IP stressers are used for cybersecurity testing, while others are often misused to crash targets by flooding them with excessive traffic. That said, IP stressers are often used for legal, and illegal purposes. But, are they safe? Keep reading to find out about IP stressers, booters and their legality.
Note:A VPN ensures protection from IP stresser attacks. We recommend only using a reliable VPN, like FastestVPN, due to its premium security features that can withstand aggressive DDoS attacks.
What Is an IP Stresser?
IP stressers are tools designed for testing network resilience. It simulates network traffic to test the network’s strength against high loads. It’s mostly used for cybersecurity testing where professionals analyse a network’s strength. However, its misuses exist. Malicious actors often use IP stressers to flood a network with traffic, leading to a DDoS attack.
For how IP stressers work, it starts with a target selection. The hacker chooses the target IP address of the server or the network to which they plan to send a traffic overload to. The black hats then select the type of DDoS attack they plan to simulate. Both botnets and stresser servers can be leveraged, leading to traffic generation. And lastly, the attack is launched on the target’s P address. And, that’s a DDoS attack via an IP stresser.
What is a Booter?
Unlike IP stresser, a Booter doesn’t hide under the claim of testing. Instead, it is used for malicious DDoS attacks. It’s simpler to use, and highly illegal. However, it requires a paid subscription, rather than free online options like IP stressers.
Booters user Botnets, and anyone can use them to launch an attack, i.e., no skills are required. Booters use IoT cameras, PCs, and servers for massive power. And, some booters can threaten gamers with atacks unless it’s paid.
IP Stresser vs. Booter: Key Differences
Here are the key differences between IP stresser vs. Booter:
| Features | Booter | IP Stresser |
| Primary Use | DDoS Attacks. | Claims to be a network tester. |
| Ease of Use | Intuitive web interface. | Often requires setup. |
| Legal Risk | Highly illegal. | Gray area. |
| Cost | Subscription-based. | A few free options available. |
What Is an IP Stresser for Gaming?
IP stresser for gaming is often used to intentionally overwhelm a target’s network with a traffic overload. IP booters/stressers, or often known as DDoS booters disrupt the target’s internet, leading them to disconnect from the game. As a result, the target disconnects from the game.
IP stressers use botnets to compromise the target’s network. And, these use powerful servers to send a large volume of traffic to the target’s IP. Following that, it floods the network and makes it challenging for the target to regain a stable Internet connection for gaming.
The Legal Use of IP Stresser for Gaming
While IP stressers for gaming are often referred to illegal use to launch DDoS attack–it was still made for legal use. Ethically, they are used to check the resilience of a gaming network.
Risks of Using IP Stressers on PlayStation, Xbox, or PC
Using IP stressers on PlayStation, Xbox, or PC can be risky, and lead to risky consequences. Here are the risks of using IP stressers for gaming:
1. Getting Banned for Online Gaming
Sony PlayStation and Microsoft Xbox can detect and permanently ban your account if it suspect DDoS attack launch. Meanwhile, games like Fortnite and Call of Duty can suspend you account. Your home IP can also be blacklisted. And, the only way out is this situation is to reset your router or use a VPN to reconnect.
2. Malware Risk from Free Stressers
Fake free stressers often inlcude keyloggers, Remote Access Trojans (RATs), or Cryptojacking malware. Using a free IP stresser can result in your own device getting infected by potential malware.
3. Retaliation Attacks
Launching a DDoS attack might lead to a retaliation attack. You may face network stress, crashing your network. Some aggressive players might also leak your personal information online, and sometimes call fake police raids (SWATing).
4. ISP Notices and Legal Consequences
Various providers, such as Spectrum and others, terminate user accounts engaged in DDoSing. Or, the ISP can send a legal notice to anyone engaged in these activities.
Is IP Stressing Illegal in the US?
Using an IP stresser for malicious purposes is illegal in the US. According to the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA), using IP stressers is illegal. And violating CFAA can lead to serious consequences, such as:
- Hefty fines
- Imprisonment
- Legal penalties
How to Protect Against IP Stresser/DDoS Attacks?
IP stresser attacks can cripple your internet connection, or take down a website. Here are ways to mitigate an IP stresser/DDoS attack:
1. Use a VPN
Connecting to a VPN server masks your real IP address with a new one. For example, connecting to FastestVPN conceals your original IP address with a new, virtual IP address. Here’s how to use FastestVPN:
- Go to FastestVPN > Pricing.
- Get your preferred VPN plan.
- Download the VPN app.
- Log in and connect to a server.
2. Enable DDoS Network Protection
Use Cloudfare or any other DDoS network protection tool to avoid IP stresser attacks. You can lookup other online solutions for your gaming routers as well.
3. Improve Home Network Security
Change your router’s default password to prevent remote hijacking. Ensure disabling remote management features, which can otherwise allow attackers to access and modify your router settings.
Additionally, enabling the firewall and setting up rate limiting helps block excessive connection requests, offering an extra layer of protection. For advanced users seeking even greater security, consider implementing solutions like Pi-hole or pfSense.
4. Avoid the Red Flags
Avoid toxic behavior in voice chats, as it can make you a target for online attacks. Be cautious and never click on suspicious links. IP grabbers are often hidden in scams on platforms like Discord and YouTube. Also, steer clear of free “stresser testers,” as many are disguised malware traps.
FAQs - IP Stresser
What is a DDoS protected IP address?
It’s an IP address configured to be protected against DDoS attacks. For example, using specialized providers can give the necessary infrastructure for a DDoS-protected IP.
Are IP stressers and booters the same?
Both are different because IP stressers intend to be for legitimate purposes, and at times, they are used for ethical testing. However, booters primarily aim for illegal DDoS attacks where botnets are involved. IP stressers can be free, but booters are paid. You pay, and launch an attack.
What is the difference between IP stressers vs booters?
The difference between IP stressers vs booters is that the former is primarily for ethical use, but can be misused. Whereas, the latter’s primary use is to launch a DDoS attack on the targeted device.
Are IP stressers illegal?
IP stressers aren’t illegal. They are primarily used for testing purposes, mostly by cybersecurity experts. However, people may misuse it to flood a network for a potential DDoS attack.
Are there free IP stressers available?
Yes, there are free IP stressers available online. However, the free online options aren’t reliable, and they can lead to a potential malware installation on your device, or a retaliated attack.
Final Note
IP stressers are primarily used to test a network’s strength. It targets a specific network, floods it with traffic similar to a DDoS attack. The purpose is to test if the network is capable of withstanding an actual attack. However, an IP stresser can also be misused to target networks and lead to slowdowns.
We recommend following our IP stresser mitigation tips to avoid falling victim to booter or an IP stresser attack. For example, connecting to FastestVPN can ensure elevated online security from DDoS attacks or potential malware installation.