On February 26, 2025, the Beeline telecommunications network faced significant outages across Russia, primarily attributed to DDoS attacks targeting its systems. The problems began around noon Moscow time, with user complaints flooding various monitoring platforms such as Downdetector and Sboi.ru.
By the peak reporting time of 12:30 PM, over 7,600 complaints had been logged from users frustrated by connectivity issues, particularly concerning home broadband services. The bulk of complaints came from several key areas, including the Smolensk region, where 28% of reports originated, as well as 15% from Krasnodar, 12% from Saint Petersburg, and additional complaints from regions like Rostov. This widespread impact reflects the extensive customer base affected by the service disruption.
Reports began surfacing around noon, but the level of user ire surged as the clock struck 12:30 PM. The outage affected Beeline’s home internet service and mobile applications, with customers detailing difficulties accessing their services. According to statistics from Downdetector, at least 23% of complaints were registered from Smolensk, with additional heavy reporting from Krasnodar at 14% and Saint Petersburg at 7%.
“Today, several Beeline systems have been subjected to DDoS attacks. Our specialists are taking all necessary measures to minimize potential consequences and maintain stable service operations,” stated Beeline’s press service. This message was echoed by various news outlets, underscoring the seriousness of the technical issues plaguing the network.
With the number of complaints continuing to escalate, even as some services began to recover by the late afternoon, reports indicated persistent problems throughout the affected regions. Monitoring services reported peaks of complaints around 12:30 PM, coinciding with frustrations from users attempting to log onto Beeline’s mobile application.
The Center for Monitoring and Management of General Communication Networks, under Russia's telecommunications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, confirmed they were tracking the surge of complaints since 11:40 AM. Specialists were actively diagnosing the issues and working to restore normal service levels. “The monitoring center observed substantial user feedback concerning the network stability across multiple cities including Smolensk, Samara, and Vologda,” they reported.
Activists and telecom experts have suggested this DDoS incident reflects broader vulnerabilities within IT infrastructures across Russia, as cyberattacks targeting communication networks have increasingly surged, with estimates showing such attacks rose by over 50% within the last year alone. The incident parallels another recent attack affecting informational portals, leading to growing concerns about cybersecurity and the ability of telecommunications providers to defend against such disruptive strategies.
Users from various regions voiced their experiences on social media and through direct online complaints, noting the significant disruption this caused to their daily lives. Many described not only intermittent internet service but also difficulties accessing necessary mobile applications for banking and communications.
Further statistics from the outage tracking website Downdetector indicated persistent peaks of 692 simultaneous complaints throughout the day. These stats reflect the depth of user dissatisfaction with their service and the palpable frustration ripple effect on day-to-day activities.
Despite improvements noted later, Beeline's recovery was not uniform across all affected areas—highlighting gaps in service restoration. “While some areas have started to see restoration, significant outages continue to impede access for many users,” said the communications monitoring service.
Beeline's public relations campaign emphasized their commitment to restoring full service and maintaining open lines of communication with their users during this ordeal. “We are striving to rectify the disruption and appreciate the patience of our subscribers during this challenging situation,” their spokesperson told media outlets.
With the incident still under scrutiny, experts urge telecommunications operators to strengthen their networks against potential DDoS threats as part of bolstering overall infrastructure resilience. The Beeline outage serves as a reminder of the fragility of digital communication networks and the need for heightened security measures to safeguard against coordination disruption attempts.
This case is not isolated; other significant incidents have similarly raised concerns over operational integrity within the telecommunications sector, indicating a need for vigilance and enhanced protective technologies moving forward.