French Police Dismantle Gigantic Cryptojacking Botnet Targeting Monero

The Botnet Breakout

In a remarkable turn of events, French authorities have taken decisive action to bring down a colossal botnet responsible for illicit Monero (XMR) cryptojacking. This notorious network, which had ensnared a staggering 850,000 computers across more than 100 countries, was reportedly cultivated through enticing emails promising tantalizing offers of erotic images or quick cash. Talk about a low blow! The malware, cleverly named Retadup, spread its tendrils further via infected USB drives, transforming personal devices into unwilling accomplices.

Massive Firepower on Tap

Jean-Dominique Nollet, head of the cybercrime unit, C3N, shared some unsettling insights on France Inter radio. He stated,

“People may not realize it, but 850,000 infected computers means massive firepower, enough to bring down all the (civilian) websites on the planet.”

Who knew your grandma’s laptop could potentially bring down the internet?

Ransoms, Mining, and More

This nefarious network didn’t just stop at cryptojacking; it was also a tool for ransomware extortion and data theft from various institutions, including Israeli healthcare facilities. Hackers utilized the vast infrastructure to mine Monero without users’ consent, raking in millions since the botnet’s inception in 2016. That’s right; while you were binge-watching your favorite show, someone was busy netting some serious digital coins at the expense of your computer’s performance.

The Cleanup Operation

Fortunately, law enforcement stepped in with a plan. French police located the botnet’s central server, chilling in Paris, and, in a collaborative effort with the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), they redirected the malicious payload to a safe, harmless location on the internet. What a way to quarantine those infected machines! Thankfully, the public can breathe a sigh of relief, but the masterminds behind this operation remain at large, lounging on their ill-gotten gains.

What’s Next for Cryptojacking?

In a twist that could make any cybersecurity expert raise an eyebrow, reports have surfaced about another sneaky XMR miner that seems to throttle its operations whenever a user opens the task manager. Researchers suspect this sneaky miner has ties back to France, hinting at a potential resurgence in cryptojacking activities in the region. With the existence of French comments in the software code, the hunt might just be heating up!