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Botnet of more than 17 million devices dismantled

Botnet of more than 17 million devices dismantled

Summary

Dutch authorities shut down a large botnet made up of more than 17 million internet-connected devices. The botnet was controlled by about 200 servers and linked to a company in Russia that provides proxy services, which let users hide their online identity.

Key Facts

  • The botnet included over 17 million devices and was managed by 200 servers.
  • Dutch police and the National Cyber Security Center worked together to take it down.
  • The botnet's servers were located in the Netherlands and seized for investigation.
  • The network was connected to ASOCKS, a Russian company offering residential proxy services.
  • Proxy services route internet traffic through other devices to hide real locations or identities.
  • Some apps on Google Play unknowingly enrolled about 190,000 devices into this proxy system.
  • Bots can infect devices by exploiting software weaknesses or through hidden features in apps.
  • Experts advise keeping devices updated, carefully choosing apps, and removing ones no longer needed to avoid such infections.
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