Google Makes History with Lawsuit Against Blockchain-Based Botnet
Google has made headlines by filing what it claims to be the first ever lawsuit against a blockchain-based botnet, signaling a new approach to combating cyber threats. The botnet in question, known as Glupteba, is believed to consist of approximately one million compromised Windows PCs worldwide, with thousands of new machines being added daily. This sophisticated malware is designed to steal victims’ credentials and data, mine for cryptocurrency, and utilize proxies to conceal the location of its attacks.
According to Google, Glupteba is primarily distributed through pay per install (PPI) networks and traffic distribution systems (TDS). In response to this growing threat, Google has taken action to disrupt the botnet’s command-and-control infrastructure. However, the decentralized nature of blockchain technology has made it challenging to completely shut down the botnet, as threat actors are able to quickly recover from disruptions.
In addition to technical measures, Google has decided to pursue legal action against the operators of the Glupteba botnet. In a blog post, Google’s VP of security, Royal Hansen, and general counsel, Halimah DeLaine Prado, explained that the lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of New York for computer fraud and abuse, trademark infringement, and other claims. A temporary restraining order has also been filed to support the ongoing technical disruption efforts. By holding the operators accountable through legal means, Google aims to make it more difficult for them to exploit unsuspecting users.
Despite the legal action taken by Google, the location of the botnet operators, believed to be based in Russia, raises questions about the effectiveness of such measures. The outcome of this lawsuit will undoubtedly have implications for future efforts to combat blockchain-based botnets and other cyber threats.
As Google continues to innovate in its fight against cybercrime, the lawsuit against the Glupteba botnet represents a significant milestone in the ongoing battle to protect users from malicious activities online. Stay tuned for updates on this groundbreaking legal action and its impact on the cybersecurity landscape.