The terrifying Reaper botnet that experts warn could bring down the entire internet and cause a ‘cyber hurricane’
A botnet is a network of devices that have been taken over by hackers
The Reaper botnet is predicted to have already affected 1 million devices
But experts warn that this is just the start, and that it is set to get much worse
By SHIVALI BEST
DAILYMAIL.COM
24 October 2017
Security experts have warned of a huge ‘botnet’ that could bring down the entire internet in the next few weeks.
The botnet, known as Reaper, allows cyber crooks to hack groups of devices including WiFi routers, causing them to crash.
So far, experts estimate that over one million organisations have been targeted worldwide, but warn that a ‘cyber hurricane’ could soon hit.
Bots are internet connected devices infected with malware that allow hackers to remotely take control of many devices at a time.
Whether it’s computers, smartphones, security cameras or home routers, many consumers are generally unaware their device may have been corralled into a bot master’s control.
Combined, these devices form powerful networks, called botnets, which can be used to wreak havoc online.
Experts at Check Point have discovered the Reaper botnet, and warn of the destruction it could cause.
In a blog, a spokesperson for Check Point wrote: ‘So far we estimate over a million organisations have already been affected worldwide, including the US, Australia and everywhere in between, and the number is only increasing.
‘Our research suggests we are now experiencing the calm before an even more powerful storm.
‘The next cyber hurricane is about to come.’
Check Point suggests that the botnet first arose at the end of September.
The blog said: ‘An increasing number of attempts were being made by hackers to exploit a combination of vulnerabilities found in various IoT devices.’
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