Cyber-Criminals assembling bot armies.
Bot Armies are growing exponentially, threatening national defences and people’s bank accounts. This is according to one of the world’s most renowned cyber-security experts.
The ‘bot war’ is ramping up as sophisticated cyber-weaponry is getting easier to acquire. From stealing passwords to scalping concert tickets, there is a bot built for many crimes and are available for any internet user to access.
Arkose Labs CEO Kevin Gosschalk is the person some of the world’s top tech companies turn to, to protect them from cyber-attacks. Mr Gosschalk showed Sky News how simple it is to get the tools criminals use to cripple networks and steal from the public.
In today’s digital age, cyber-crime has become a major concern for individuals and businesses alike. With the increasing use of technology and the internet, it has become easier for cyber-criminals to operate and carry out their malicious activities. One of the most dangerous trends in cyber-crime is the assembly of bot armies by these criminals.
But what exactly are bot armies? In simple terms, they are networks of compromised computers, also known as bots, that are controlled remotely by a cyber-criminal. These bots can be used for a variety of malicious activities, such as stealing personal information, launching DDoS attacks, spreading malware, and even conducting online scams.
The ‘bot war’ is rapidly intensifying as cyber-criminals are now able to acquire sophisticated cyber-weaponry easily. This is made possible by the emergence of the dark web, where illegal activities such as buying and selling botnets take place. These botnets, which are essentially armies of bots, can be rented or purchased by anyone with malicious intentions.
The use of bot armies has become a popular tactic among cyber-criminals because it allows them to carry out large-scale attacks with minimal effort. These attacks can be used for financial gain, such as stealing sensitive information like credit card numbers and login credentials. They can also be used to spread propaganda, launch political attacks, or manipulate online polls and reviews.
One of the most alarming uses of bot armies is in the ticket scalping industry. With the rise of online ticket sales for concerts and sporting events, cyber-criminals have found a way to exploit this market by using bots to purchase tickets in bulk and resell them at inflated prices. This not only results in frustrated fans unable to purchase tickets but also causes significant financial losses for the event organizers.
Moreover, bot armies are also being used to manipulate social media platforms, creating fake accounts and spreading misinformation. This tactic has been used to influence elections, spread conspiracy theories, and even incite violence. The use of bots to manipulate public opinion can have far-reaching consequences and poses a threat to the democratic process.
So, how can we combat this rising threat of bot armies? The first step is to increase awareness and educate internet users about the dangers of bots and how they can protect themselves. Individuals should be cautious about clicking on suspicious links and downloading unknown files. Businesses should also have robust cybersecurity measures in place to protect their networks from being compromised by bots.
Furthermore, law enforcement agencies need to step up their efforts to identify and take down botnets and the individuals behind them. This can be a challenging task as these criminals often operate from countries with lax cybercrime laws or use advanced techniques to hide their tracks.
In conclusion, the threat of bot armies is real and growing. As technology continues to advance, cyber-criminals will find new ways to exploit it for their malicious activities. It is crucial for individuals, businesses, and governments to work together to combat this threat and make the internet a safer place for all. Remember, knowledge and vigilance are our best weapons in this ‘bot war.’ Stay informed and stay safe.