DDoS Prevention Guide

**We are aware that Skype has recently released a security update which keeps your IP address hidden from other users going forward. Why is this important? Read the article below:

A DDoS (Distributed Denial-of-Service) is an overflow of information packets sent to an IP address (usually by malicious PC ninjas). Most common connections won't be able to handle all of these packets, so they will be effectively blocked from maintaining a connection until the attack lets up.

Chances are, if you are getting intermittent lag, or get disconnected from a match randomly and then reconnect, you are most likely not being DDoS'd. The fact is, DDoS attacks are actually pretty rare! (Which is really good news). It's pretty tricky for an attack to target the player, so most of the time the attack is directed at the server, rather than the individual.

DDoS attacks tend to start slow with minor latency issues, and then gradually get worse to a point where you are unable to access any outside resources, not just League of Legends. For example, you will begin to disconnect and reconnect to a program until eventually you won't be able to connect at all.

If you experience consistent but intermittent connection issues, please check out this article instead.

In order for someone to DoS you, they first need your IP, which is very hard to get. In League of Legends your IP is not shared with other players, however any program that uses Peer to Peer (P2P) does expose your IP, and can put you at risk. Popular programs include BitTorrent, Hamachi, and previously Skype** (though they no longer use P2P). However, these only share your IP directly to the computer you're connecting to. This is why it is so rare to be DoS'd. However, it is not impossible for advanced hackers. A DDoS can only work if the attacker has an IP address to target, so your primary goal is to protect your IP at all times (learn how below). As it may take some time to change your IP address, it is recommended that you take steps to protect yourself well in advance of your matches.

**While the best protection against a DDoS attack is to avoid programs that use P2P, (especially the illegal ones), there may be instances of Skype being outdated. If you're running an older version of Skype, see below for how to best protect against an malicious inclinations.

How can I protect myself from being DDoS'd?

DDoS Skype Protection

Step 1: Update Skype

Step 2: Changing Your IP Address

Appendix

League of Legends Netlogs

Additional Guides and Links

How can I protect myself from being DDoS'd?

There are a few ways that can help, and these will be listed from most effective to least effective:

Smart online security! Don't click on sketchy links/websites and only use programs you're sure of. And definitely don't give your IP to anyone you don't completely trust!
Use a VPN that boasts great security, encryption, and hides your IP. One example is NordVPN. This will make it much harder for hackers to get your information or your IP. If they can't get your IP, they can't DoS you.
Run an Anti-Malware program, like MalwareBytes, to get rid of any spyware or malicious programs that could be reporting your information and IP!
Cloudflare boasts that their public DNS (1.1.1.1) provides DDoS protection which will keep you online during attacks.
Double and triple check that applications, like Skype, are properly updated!

DDoS Skype Protection

Step 1: Update Skype

Update your copy of Skype by either selecting "Check for Updates" from the Help drop-down menu or visiting www.skype.com/en/download-skype/skype-for-computer/. Then, open the options menu (Tools > Options) and make sure the "Allow direct connections to your contacts only" is checked (found under Advanced > Connection). This protects your IP from people not on your contact list. However, your IP remains exposed to your contact list.

Please also keep in mind that the best protection against revealing your IP address to potentially malicious parties on Skype is to add only people you know and trust!

Step 2: Changing your IP address

Even if you’re proxying Skype, you are still at risk for an attack if someone has already acquired your IP address. The majority of ISPs will change your IP address at your request. Find a customer service or technical support contact at your ISP and ask for a new IP address. If for some reason they will not help you change your IP address, you can attempt to force an IP change by unplugging every PC, router, modem, or other network hardware and computer from the internet for a period of 24 hours. Confirm that the reset worked by visiting www.whatismyip.com before and after the reset.

Keep in mind that protecting your connection is the player’s responsibility, and that there is virtually no way to thwart a DDoS attack quickly enough to return to a match in progress. This guide is not meant to be a complete protection package, and Riot is not responsible for ineffective or incomplete protection.

Appendix

League of Legends Netlogs

To help diagnose a connection problem while playing LoL, you will likely be asked for your Network Logs (NetLogs). To find them, navigate to C:\Riot Games\League of Legends\Logs\Network Logs and locate files from the dates in which you suffered network issues.

Wireshark

Wireshark is a network protocol analyzer, which is a fancy way of saying that it breaks down everything coming and going through your internet connection. By running Wireshark during your games, it can provide your ISP or Riot support with in-depth information about what’s happening to your network. While not required, if you are technically inclined, running Wireshark is an excellent tool to help determine the cause of network problems.

You can download Wireshark and learn more by visiting their website:

http://www.wireshark.org/download.html