TOP TAKES is IoT Sources’ filtered content channel, bringing you the most important breaking news and notable events surrounding the Internet of Things. Today’s post originated from: www.nbcnews.com
A growing hacked device botnet named “Reaper” could put the internet in the dark.
Over a million internet-connected cameras and routers have already been infected, researchers with the Israeli-based firm Check Point says — and the number is growing.
“Botnets” consist of vast networks of thousands and even millions of computer that have been infected with malware, enslaving them to do someone else’s bidding. They can be commanded — usually without their owners’ knowledge — to provide the raw computing power to take down websites, crack into government databases, and blast off ransomware demands.
The botnet spreads from hacked device to hacked device, sneaking in via known security vulnerabilities, according to an analysis by Chinese researchers at 360 netlab. The at-risk devices include several webcams and routers, including those by popular makers such as Linksys, Netgear, and dlink, none of whom immediately returned an NBC News request for comment.
The botnet spreads from hacked device to hacked device, sneaking in via known security vulnerabilities, according to an analysis by Chinese researchers at 360 netlab. The at-risk devices include several webcams and routers, including those by popular makers such as Linksys, Netgear, and dlink, none of whom immediately returned an NBC News request for comment.
This is different from the attack last fall, which only used weak and default passwords to get into devices. It could easily be wiped just by rebooting the device. But the new botnet has automated basic hacking techniques in order to spread further. And by using known exploits it can get in and spread without raising any alarms.
According to a recent PwC survey, 55 percent of consumers believe the biggest security and privacy threat comes from internet of things devices, and 25 percent “see their growing reliance on technology as one of the top threats facing humanity over the next 50 years.” Now the question is if they’ll do anything about it.
In a warning released six days before the Check Point report, the FBI recommends consumers and businesses check to make sure their “internet of things” connected devices have their default usernames and passwords changed and that all security patches are updated.
