Experts are puzzled by unexplained “Noise Storms” flooding the internet, characterized by large waves of spoofed traffic that have been tracked since January 2020 by the intelligence firm GreyNoise. These phenomena could hint at covert communication or DDoS attack signals, but their true origin remains elusive. Notably, the appearance of a “LOVE” ASCII string in ICMP packets adds an element of speculation. GreyNoise has shared packet captures on GitHub to enlist the help of the cybersecurity researcher community in solving this mystery. The patterns of these noise storms suggest a calculated effort from a knowledgeable actor in the field of cybersecurity.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mysterious ‘Noise Storms’ emerge | Shift from normal traffic to anomalous | Advanced threats recognized in cybersecurity | Increasing cyber threats developing |
| Covert communications suspected | Evolution from conventional to hidden | New detection tools for unseen threats | Adaptation to digital warfare tactics |
| ASCII “LOVE” suggests intent | Transition from benign to complex signals | Greater complexity in malware tactics | Innovation in hacker strategies |
| Collaborative investigation urged | Move from isolated to community-driven efforts | Enhanced cooperation in cybersecurity | Necessity of collective problem-solving |