Four Cybercriminals Apprehended in Major Botnet Operation

May 13, 2025 - 01:43

In a significant breakthrough in cybercrime enforcement, authorities have arrested four hackers involved in a lucrative botnet scheme that exploited vulnerable wireless Internet routers. The criminals utilized sophisticated malware, specifically Anyproxy and 5socks, to infiltrate and reconfigure older router models without the consent or knowledge of the users.

This operation not only compromised the security of countless devices but also allowed the hackers to generate substantial profits through various illicit activities, including the sale of access to the compromised networks. The malware enabled the perpetrators to control the infected routers, turning them into a network of bots that could be used for a range of malicious purposes, from launching distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks to facilitating data breaches.

Law enforcement agencies have emphasized the importance of securing Internet-connected devices and urged users to update their router firmware and change default passwords. The arrests mark a significant step towards combating the growing threat of cybercrime and protecting the integrity of online networks.