An informal, low-lying group of sharp minds might be the world’s best defence against Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, but legal uncertainty is hindering their capabilities. And it is through this IT grapevine that these groups of researchers and engineers will be notified when a significant DDoS attack strikes. But according to SecureWorks malware researcher and group member, Joe Stewart, these DDoS defenders may face persecution for launching what he says are essential retailiatory attacks due to legal grey areas.