Google Aims to Disrupt Botnet Targeting Windows Machines: It attacks the Glupteba network both directly and through litigation.
Google has started taking action against the Glupteba botnet, which has reportedly infected around a million Windows systems so far.
According to Google, the Glupteba botnet has targeted Windows machines in order to steal user data and mine cryptocurrency. The network has spread via malware, which is often downloaded and installed from fraudulent download links. Glupteba's operators then sell the stolen data, which includes credit card information and proxy access which can be used to establish more fake links.
The hope is that it will wrest control of the network from its operators, but Google believes it will only be a temporary disruption.
To further complicate matters for the operators of Glupteba, Google has also filed a complaint about fraud, abuse, counterfeiting and other charges against them. Google's theory is that the combination of technical and legal pressures will slow down the botnet long enough to build better defences against it.
It is recommended, as always, that you exercise caution when following links or downloading software from unknown sources. Google's threat analysis group has also created a list of related domains to watch.
