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FBI: Botnet Mastermind Nabbed

Slovenian accused of creating Mariposa malware

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 28, 2010 4:25 AM CDT | Updated Jul 28, 2010 4:45 AM CDT

(Newser) – A hacker responsible for hijacking more than 10 million computers around the world has been arrested in Slovenia after a major international investigation, the FBI says. The 23-year-old hacker, known as "Iserdo," is accused of masterminding a scam in which the Mariposa "botnet" network infected computers belonging to dozens of banks and more than half the Fortune 1,000 companies, the AP reports.

Investigators say Iserdo sold the malware to hackers, who sometimes paid extra to have it customized. "To use an analogy here," an official in the FBI's cyber division says, "as opposed to arresting the guy who broke into your home, we've arrested the guy that gave him the crowbar, the map, and the best houses in the neighborhood. And that is a huge break in the investigation of cyber crimes."

Researchers say the malware created by Iserdo has spread to over 190 countries. (Shutter Stock)

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FBI: Botnet Mastermind Nabbed

Slovenian accused of creating Mariposa malware

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

FBI • hacker • cybercrime • botnet • malicious code • Iserdo

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

FBI Probes Massive Hacker Theft at Citi

Bank denies being victim of Russian cyberattack

Legendary Hacker: It Was 'a Huge Game'

Mitnick reflects on the road from 'computer terrorist' to consultant

Computer Experts: The Bad Guys Are Winning

Security researchers outflanked by well-funded cybercriminals

Teen Nabbed for $26M 'Net Heist

18-year-old Kiwi's ring robbed IDs with 'spybot' program

Anonymous Taps FBI Call

Hack indicates that hackers have access to bureau's email

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Newser By Users

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