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CyberWire Daily

A new Mirai-based botnet.

Jan 8, 2025
A new Mirai-based botnet has emerged, raising alarms in the cybersecurity world. Researchers reveal advanced voice phishing schemes exploiting major platforms. Japan attributes over 200 cyberattacks to a hacking group, while ongoing vulnerabilities in SonicWall software are concerning for users. A new government program aims to guide consumers in choosing secure devices. Plus, a discussion highlights the privacy risks of misconfigured license plate readers, showcasing the challenges in our surveillance-driven society.
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Quick takeaways

  • The identification of the new Mirai-based botnet, GayFemboy, highlights the evolving threat landscape with its exploitation of over 20 vulnerabilities across devices.
  • Cybercriminals are increasingly leveraging legitimate services from Apple and Google for voice phishing, emphasizing the critical need for user vigilance and cybersecurity awareness.

Deep dives

Emergence of a New Botnet Threat

A new Mirai-based botnet named GayFemboy has been identified, showcasing its ability to exploit over 20 vulnerabilities in various devices, including industrial routers and smart home gadgets. Discovered by researchers at Qui Anxin XLAB, the botnet has evolved into a significant threat, operating with around 15,000 active IP addresses globally, including regions like China, Russia, and the U.S. It has been implicated in numerous DDoS attacks, demonstrating a capacity to target diverse sectors aggressively. The botnet's sophisticated use of zero-day exploits has led its researchers to halt investigative efforts to avoid further disruptions to their operations.

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