What might have been unbeknownst to you, Google had just recently won a significant court case against a group that had been operating a bot network to manipulate its systems, which could have major implications for future cybercrime cases. The case relates to a Russian-based group named Glupteba, which has utilized bots to essentially ‘break into’ millions of Windows devices.
Glupteba-Bye!
Glupteba’s system stole user cookies and credentials, either mined cryptocurrencies or infected hosts and deployed proxy components that would target Windows systems and IoT devices. The malware was primarily distributed by clicking on questionable/suspicious links for pirated software.
Such cases have proven difficult to effectively litigate. Largely due to the perpetrators living in foreign countries, thus effectively and narrowingly staying outside of the jurisdiction of US Law – in this instance, however, the victory goes to Google:
“The court moved to grant Google’s motion for sanctions, while the court also went further, and issued monetary sanctions against both the Russian-based defendants and their US-based lawyer – requiring the criminal actors behind Glupteba to pay Google’s legal fees.”
The key element here was the naming of both the individuals and shell companies involved in the Glupteba process, which exposed these groups, specifically, for the crime. That has facilitated direct litigation, while further action to hold the group’s US-based lawyer accountable adds even more of an impetus to the final decision.
It’s a significant ruling which could end up being distinctive for criminals to get involved with such activities. If foreign groups can be held more directly accountable, that would provide a new level of legal recourse, which could see many more actions taken against such operations over time.
The Wrap
Of course, certain groups will remain as faceless entries, while the bigger operations require funding, and if Google and the other platforms can point to these sources, then that could result in more penalties and sanctions handed down, increasing the pressure on these operations. It’ll be interesting to see if the Glupteba Group challenges the ruling, as well as what comes next. Regardless, it could be a major, precedent-setting case that helps combat online scams. It’s not really an addition or new feature if you think about it, but this does speak about the equally evolving ways platforms are also developing ways to better protect themselves and their users.
Sources