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Security

FBI Dismantles a Malware System That Took Millions in Ransom (bloomberg.com) 19

The FBI said Tuesday that it has taken down a network of hacked devices responsible for extorting tens of millions of dollars from victims around the world. From a report: US officials described the network known as Qakbot as one of the most notorious "botnets" in the world, referring to computer networks that have been infected with malicious software so that they can be controlled remotely without the owner's knowledge -- often to send phishing emails. These emails can in turn be used to hack into victims' computer systems, which attackers will hold for ransom.

Qakbot was instrumental in enabling cyberattacks against businesses and critical services around the world, according to US officials, including hits on the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and hospitals run by Prospect Medical Group. The latter resulted in the closure of emergency rooms and medical facilities across the US. US officials estimated that, since its creation in 2008, Qakbot had infected around 200,000 computers in the US and 700,000 globally.

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FBI Dismantles a Malware System That Took Millions in Ransom

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  • by gweihir ( 88907 ) on Tuesday August 29, 2023 @04:10PM (#63807054)

    If they remain free, they can just build a new bot net. There are tons of Internet-connected devices out there with security that really sucks, starting with basically every Windows PC. Manufacturers need to do a lot better before this problem gets reduced to acceptable levels. Not that I am in any way opposed to these scum attackers spending some time behind bars and being financially ruined for life. But that is not enough.

    • If the FBI took the botnet down and publicly announced it, it’s cause they watched it for years, extracted as much intel they could from monitoring it, and concluded that they couldnt get any more useful stuff. They’ve already taken action against the people that they can reach.
    • by hey! ( 33014 )

      Kind of hard to put these people behind bars when they're not in your country. They are likely to be in Russia or in other Eastern European countries where Russian speakers are common.

      • by gweihir ( 88907 )

        A) Not necessarily.
        B) With an international warrant they would need to be extremely careful while travelling.

        My take is the FBI does not actually care and just wanted this press release.

        • by hey! ( 33014 )

          There's an ICC arrest warrant out now for Putin. Sure he has to be careful traveling, but it's not likely ever to be served.

  • Love all the superlatives, but if history is any indication, "hindered" is probably more appropriate than "dismantled", "neutralized", etc. Not a single previous botnet take-down claim by the FBI has held up.

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