Behind The Making of the Atrivo Takedown

Like many members of the security community, I have been closely following with fascination the story of Atrivo, a.k.a., Intercage. Certified Bug has a complete run-down with links to all the pertinent documentation. Just follow her lead from the botnet tag, particularly the links to Brian Kreb's reports.

Of additional interest, however, is the story of James McQuaid, one of the researchers of the white paper Cyber Crime U.S.A. (PDF) and what led to his realization:

It was then, in a moment of dizzying cold terror, that I realized that one could not avoid them, and that I needed to actively hunt them.

See BEHIND THE MAKING OF THE ATRIVO TAKEDOWN by James McQuaid

Even if you find the white paper Cyber Crime U.S.A. (PDF) beyond your area of interest, take three minutes to watch the YouTube video they prepared that illustrates The Exploitation of a PC User".

The video clearly illustrates the importance of up-to-date security software, including anti-virus, anti-malware and firewall. Adding and keeping updated a Hosts File such as the MVPS HOSTS file will add another layerof protection by blocking sites such as those illustrated in the video.

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...