Fergie's Tech Blog

RBNExploit: Russian Hosting Network Running a Protection Racket

Gregg Keizer writes on ComputerWorld:

The Russian Business Network, a notorious hacker and malware hosting network, runs a protection racket that extorts as much as $2,000 a month in fees for "protective Web services" from borderline sites, a researcher alleged today.

The RBNExploit blog -- which is authored by one or more anonymous researchers -- spelled out the racket run by the group, which is thought to be headquartered in St. Petersburg, Russia, and has been pegged by security professionals as a major source of malware and cybercriminal activity.

"The business model RBN uses is quite simple and effective," said a post published today on the blog. "Its affiliates and resellers comb various niche market forums and discussion areas for Web masters using or discussing protective web services, i.e. DDoS [Distributed Denial of Service] prevention. Carry out a DDoS attack on the Web site and then provide a third-party sales approach to the Web master to 'encourage' a sign-up for their DDoS prevention services."

The price for "protection:" $2,000 per month.

posted by Fergie @ 2/20/2008 12:12:00 PM