The newest, massive hacking network “Kneber BotNet” has breached more than 75,000 PCs around the world. Hackers gained access to private data at nearly 2,500 companies and government agencies. Criminals use a botnet to control an army of computers and usually distribute massive amounts of spam and malware.

With this particular botnet, analysts believe hackers aren’t interested in money, but they have built a secret underground network to rent out or sell stolen personal information to cybercrooks. This botnet is gathering logins for financial systems, social networking, and email and reporting it back to the criminal. Social networking sites can easily be used to spread malware, as Facebook and Yahoo accounts have been hacked the most. Investigations report 68,000 corporate logins were compromised. These criminals have also poisoned search results. If you search for “Kneber BotNet removal” you will likely get results that will contain fake anti-virus software.

Several large companies like Paramount Pictures have been attacked. It is becoming easier to become a cybercriminal as tools for creating these malicious infections are becoming available on the underground economy. Corporations should monitor outgoing traffic. Stay up to date on security software and you will be protected. The Tizer Secure™ behavioral scan will search for unusual botnet behavior. Download the free 14-day trial.