1 Million Computers Affected by Botnet; FBI Announces
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced via a press release (http://www.fbi.gov/pressrel/pressrel07/botnet061307.htm) that 1 million IP addresses (computers/systems) have been identified as being compromised by botnet software.
The FBI news release states:
"A botnet is a collection of compromised computers under the remote command and control of a criminal “botherder.” Most owners of the compromised computers are unknowing and unwitting victims. They have unintentionally allowed unauthorized access and use of their computers as a vehicle to facilitate other crimes, such as identity theft, denial of service attacks, phishing, click fraud, and the mass distribution of spam and spyware. Because of their widely distributed capabilities, botnets are a growing threat to national security, the national information infrastructure, and the economy."
The FBI is providing information (http://www.fbi.gov/page2/june07/botnet061307.htm) for anyone who may suspect their system is affected. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is also providing information (http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt132.shtm) for consumers on the dangers, impact, and suggestions for consumers regarding botnets.
This news story is one more example that information security is everyone's responsibility.
Take these basic steps to secure your home computer today:
- Scan your computer with updated anti-virus/anti-spyware software.
- Install software vendor patches such as Windows Update.
- Ensure your computer has a software or hardware firewall protecting it.
In protecting your home computer you will be also reducing the possibility that hackers will steal your identity and personal information from files stored on your home computer. These three basic steps won't guarantee 100% protection but will significantly reduce the possibility that your home computer will be compromised by botnets and other malicious attacks.
ABC News - FBI Takes Down Cyber Hijackers
http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/story?id=3274261&page=1
Wikipedia - Botnet
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botnet
Jaime G. Chanaga, CISSP, CISA is founder and CEO of The CSO Board, a management consulting firm dedicated to helping leaders and organizations solve critical strategic issues make lasting substantial improvements in their performance. He is also an Editorial Advisory Board Member for 
