Operation Moonlander Grounds $46 Million IoT Botnet: A Comedy of Errors in Cybercrime
Operation Moonlander has uncovered a scheme where thousands of infected IoT and end-of-life devices were transformed into a botnet, providing cover for cybercriminals. With monthly fees ranging from $9.95 to $110, the botnet’s operators netted over $46 million. The operation has disrupted platforms like 5socks.net, revealing the hidden cost of outdated routers.
Hot Take:
Well, it seems like some folks have taken the phrase “plug and play” to a whole new level by turning our trusty old routers into stealthy cyber ninjas. If you thought your grandma’s dusty router was just a slowpoke, think again—it might be moonlighting in a criminal proxy network! Time to teach those routers that their retirement involves more knitting than hacking.
Key Points:
- Joint Dutch and U.S. operation dismantles a botnet of infected IoT and EoL devices.
- Four individuals charged with operating and profiting from proxy services, netting $46 million.
- Operation Moonlander disrupts services 5socks.net and anyproxy.net.
- TheMoon malware exploited vulnerabilities, using old routers as proxies.
- FBI advises regular router maintenance and upgrades to mitigate risks.
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