Microsoft’s Digital Crimes Unit has this week announced they have chalked up another victory against spammers and malware pedlars by shutting down the huge Kelihos Botnet, which was responsible for delivering around four million spam email messages every day.
Kelihos, also known as “Waledac 2.0” due to its suspected ties to the first botnet Microsoft took down, is not as large as the Rustock spambot, but still represents a significant victory in Microsoft’s fight against botnets.
Understanding the Kelihos Botnet
The Kelihos Botnet was a sophisticated network of infected computers that cybercriminals used to send out massive amounts of spam emails. These emails often contained malicious links or attachments designed to infect recipients’ computers with malware. The botnet was also used for other nefarious activities, such as stealing personal information, distributing ransomware, and facilitating various types of online fraud.
Richard Domingues Boscovich, senior attorney with Microsoft’s Digital Crimes Unit, explains:
“Our investigation showed that while some of the defendant’s subdomains may be legitimate, many were being used for questionable purposes with links to a variety of disreputable online activities,”
“For instance, our investigation revealed that in addition to hosting Kelihos, defendants’ cz.cc domain has previously been investigated for hosting subdomains responsible for delivering MacDefender, a type of scareware that infects Apple’s operating system.”
The Impact of Botnets on Cybersecurity
Botnets like Kelihos pose a significant threat to cybersecurity. They can be used to launch Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, which can cripple websites and online services. Additionally, botnets can be rented out to other cybercriminals, creating a marketplace for illegal activities. The takedown of Kelihos is a crucial step in disrupting these criminal networks and protecting internet users from their harmful activities.
This shutdown will be the first time Microsoft has named a defendant in one of its civil cases involving a botnet, and the defendants were personally notified of the action. This legal approach sets a precedent and sends a strong message to other cybercriminals that their actions will not go unpunished. By holding individuals accountable, Microsoft aims to deter future cybercrime and encourage better cybersecurity practices.
Moreover, the collaboration between Microsoft and other cybersecurity organizations highlights the importance of a united front in combating cyber threats. By sharing information and resources, these organizations can more effectively identify and dismantle botnets, making the internet a safer place for everyone.
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