The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has identified a hacker in Ivano-Frankivsk oblast, who created a massive botnet that carried out cyberattacks against websites and email accounts.
The hacker used an automated network containing 100,000 fake accounts that distributed viruses and spam and carried out denial of service attacks. The bots in the network also conducted brute force attacks against electronic mailboxes.
The SBU is preparing to charge the alleged hacker with the use or distribution of malicious software and interference with the work of computer networks. His name has not been revealed. The SBU did not say whether he has been arrested.
According to the SBU, the hacker found customers on the messaging service Telegram. He was paid through the Russian electronic payment system WebMoney, which is banned in Ukraine.
The SBU searched his apartment and found the equipment used to create the bot farm.
Cyberattacks using bots are fairly common in Ukraine. During the first half of 2021, the SBU detected more than 1,000 cyberattacks and prosecuted 60 people.
In March, SBU exposed a bot farm in Odesa used to create fake accounts spreading online propaganda and hate speech about Ukraine. In April and May, cyberattacks intensified due to the concentration of Russian troops near the Ukrainian border.
Later in August, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) detained four Kyiv residents suspected of operating a bot farm to spread disinformation about the Crimea Platform summit on social media.
