Security firm chokes sprawling spam botnet [The Register]
Spam is taking a hit - albeit temporary - after security researchers have effectively shut down a botnet responsible for a third of the spam landing in users' email inboxes. Known as Mega-D or Ozdok, the botnet controlled in excess of 250,000 individual computers connected to the Internet, pumping out spam emails to users worldwide. Security experts at a firm named FireEye decided last week to target Mega-D's control channels - the channels used by the scammers that control the botnet in an attempt to disable their control of the zombie computers sending spam.
Apparently the coordinated FireEye attack worked. Those in control of the Mega-D botnet didn't have time to react in an attempt to counteract the FireEye attack, resulting in the dismantling of the botnet. FireEye successfully identified the various "fallback mechanisms" that the botnet operators had placed in the command and control structure to prevent an attack. By simultaneously disabling those mechanisms, FireEye was able to successfully take down Mega-D.
As with other spam botnet takedowns, it's very likely that another botnet will rise up to take Mega-D's place. But for now, email users and ISPs will have the benefit of a reduced level of spam filling up their mailboxes.
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