Thursday, June 6, 2013

Microsoft Disrupts Major Cybercrime Botnet

Redmond-based Microsoft Corp. said late last night that it has disrupted a major botnet, which was being used for cybercrime, in a collaborative effort with the industry. Microsoft said the botnet was responsible for over half a billion dollars in financial fraud. According to Microsoft, the move came in conjunction with Financial Services – Information Sharing and Analysis Center (FS-ISAC), NACHA – The Electronic Payments Association, the American Bankers Association (ABA) – Agari, the FBI, as well as other industry partners in the move to disrupt what it called a "massive cybercrime ring". The botnet was based on the Citadel malware, which keylogged a user's bank account and online account information to steal money. The criminals had apparently been siphoning off money from the accounts it had compromised through the botnet. Microsoft said it cut off communications for 1,462 CItadel botnets and millions of infected computers, with corresponding legal action by the FBI and foreign law enforcement.