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Lifestyle

Google warns over 1M devices have been infected in ‘Russian hack’

By
Jamie Harris , The Sun
Published Dec. 8, 2021
Updated Dec. 8, 2021, 6:53 p.m. ET

Google has taken action against a major hacking operation that it thinks has infected more than 1 million devices.

The tech giant is coming down hard on the so-called Glupteba botnet, suing two Russians who are allegedly behind it.

It’s a notorious piece of malware known for taking control of people’s Windows PCs.

Crooks can then steal people’s details and data, as well as using your machine to mine cryptocurrency.

At times the vicious attack was spreading at a rate of thousands of new devices per day.

Google said it has disrupted the operation by terminating about 63 million Google Docs detected sharing Glupteba, more than 1,100 Google Accounts and even 870 Google Ads.

But it warned the criminal masterminds running things have already taken steps to keep the network running.

Google said it has disrupted the operation by terminating about 63 million Google Docs detected sharing Glupteba, more than 1,100 Google Accounts and even 870 Google Ads.
Google said it has disrupted the operation by terminating about 63 million Google Docs detected sharing Glupteba, more than 1,100 Google Accounts and even 870 Google Ads. NY Post illustration

“We understand and recognise the threats the Internet faces, and we are doing our part to address them,” the firm pledged.

It’s the first time legal action has been launched against a blockchain-enabled botnet.

The claim was filed in the Southern District of New York, for computer fraud and abuse, and trademark infringement.

They also asked for a temporary restraining order.

Crooks can then steal peoples' details and data, as well as using your machine to mine cryptocurrency.
Crooks can then steal people’s details and data, as well as use your machine to mine cryptocurrency. Getty Images/iStockphoto

Google hopes the move will put other cybercriminals off doing the same.

But security experts have their doubts.

“It is rare that those behind such operations are ever caught, so it is often best to fight such activities with preventative measures,” said Jake Moore, a cybersecurity specialist from the internet security firm ESET.

As with any computer, you should have antivirus software and run regular scans, as well as replace default passwords with unique passwords.

In other news, iPhone owners are being urged to change their settings in order to protect their texts from snoopers.

This story originally appeared on the Sun and was reproduced here with permission.