Tuesday, Google revealed that it has recently shut down a huge network of computers infected with the malware Stupid. The company estimates that the malware has infected around one million PC Windows globally, which would make it one of the largest known botnets to date.
Google against malware: the company makes progress
A botnet is one network of computers or devices connected to the Internet all infected with malware under the control of a single party. In this case, Google has traced it back Stupid to at least two individuals based in Russia. The American company is suing them in the hope that this will set a precedent by discouraging other hackers around the world.
The company said Glubteba’s network has grown by around 1,000 devices per day in some periods. Malware that adds a computer to the Glupteba botnet is usually found hidden on malicious websites that offer free software. According to Google, Glupteba’s operators used this malware to steal personal data, mine cryptocurrencies and funnel other internet traffic through infected machines.
Google has coordinated with internet infrastructure providers for take down the botnet network, but he has already specified that so far he has only been able to block it temporarily. Glupteba uses blockchain technology as insurance against a full arrest.
When it receives no news from its owners, the software is programmed to automatically use the data encoded on the blockchain of Bitcoin for instructions on how to reconnect. An element that has put a strain on experts all over the world, who have not yet found an effective way to eliminate it completely. One thing is certain: Google will not give up so easily, on the other hand the first results are encouraging.