November 15, 2023 at 10:48AM
The U.S. government has taken down the IPStorm botnet proxy network, as the developer behind it, Sergei Makinin, pleaded guilty. The botnet infected Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android devices globally. Makinin could face up to 30 years in prison and has made at least $550,000 from the scheme. The botnet used the InterPlanetary File System to hide malicious traffic. Several cybersecurity firms collaborated with law enforcement to bring down the operation.
Key takeaways from the meeting notes on Nov 15, 2023, regarding the takedown of the IPStorm botnet proxy network and its infrastructure:
1. The U.S. government announced the successful takedown of the IPStorm botnet proxy network.
2. Sergei Makinin, a Russian and Moldovan national responsible for the operation, has pleaded guilty and faces a maximum of 30 years in prison.
3. The botnet infected Windows systems initially but expanded to infect Linux, Mac, and Android devices worldwide.
4. The malware used in the botnet turned the infected devices into proxies for a for-profit scheme.
5. The botnet abused the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) as a means to obscure malicious traffic.
6. Makinin is estimated to have earned at least $550,000 from the scheme.
7. Makinin will forfeit cryptocurrency wallets linked to the offense as part of the plea agreement.
8. Collaboration between law enforcement and the private cybersecurity sector led to the arrests and shutdown of the botnet.
Note: The meeting notes highlight the significance of the takedown, the involvement of Sergei Makinin, the operation of the botnet, and the collaborative efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.