By Liam Tung, 3 December 2007 08:46
NEWS
New Zealand police have cracked down on an alleged botnet ringleader in New Zealand, who the FBI claims had illegal control over one million computers.
The sweep is part of the FBI's second phase of 'Operation Bot Roast' - the same operation which resulted in four felony charges against US security consultant John Schiefer.
Security from A to Z
Click on the links below to find out more...
A is for Antivirus
B is for Botnets
C is for CMA
D is for DDoS
E is for Extradition
F is for Federated identity
G is for Google
H is for Hackers
I is for IM
J is for Jaschan (Sven)
K is for Kids
L is for Love Bug
M is for Microsoft
N is for Neologisms
O is for Orange
P is for Passwords
Q is for Questions
R is for Rootkits
S is for Spyware
T is for Two-factor authentication
U is for USB sticks/devices
V is for Virus variants
W is for Wi-fi
X is for OS X
Y is for You
Z is for Zero-day
The New Zealand suspect, who goes by the name of 'Akill', came under fire after an information-sharing exercise between the New Zealand police, the US Secret Service and the FBI. He has been interviewed by New Zealand police and investigators have seized computers from his home.
FBI Director Robert Mueller said botnets are the "weapon of choice" for cybercriminals.
Mueller said: "They seek to conceal their criminal activities by using third-party computers as vehicles for their crimes. In Bot Roast II, we see the diverse and complex nature of crimes that are being committed through the use of botnets."
Since Operation Bot Roast was announced last June, eight individuals have been indicted, pled guilty or been sentenced for crimes related to botnet activity, according to the FBI. Law enforcement agencies have also served 13 search warrants in the US and elsewhere.
FBI Cyber Division assistant director James Finch has warned users to protect their systems.
Finch said: "Practising strong computer-security habits, such as updating anti-virus software, installing a firewall, using strong passwords and employing good email and web-security practices, are as basic as putting locks on your doors and windows."
Finch added: "Without employing these safeguards, botnets, along with criminal and possibly terrorist activities, will continue to flourish."
Most individuals identified by the FBI in Operation Bot Roast II are male, US citizens, less than 30 years old.
Liam Tung writes for CNET News.com and ZDNET Australia
Comments
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1. anonymous
Finch said: "Practising strong computer-security habits, such as updating anti-virus software, installing a firewall, using strong passwords and employing good email and web-security practices, are as basic as putting locks on your doors and windows."
Actually, when I buy a house it usually has those things already fitted.
ISPs and PC suppliers should also fit/supply these things as standard.