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The FBI is in the process of locating and notifying the users of one million computers controlled by hackers through automated crime networks or "botnets," officials said Friday.
Authorities announced this week three arrests in separate schemes to infect computers to allow them to be remotely controlled by malicious software, usually sent by spam e-mail.
FBI special agent Richard Kolko said "the vast majority" of the million computers were in the United States but added that "it's a global problem" and the US authorities have worked with partners from as many as 60 countries in the investigations.
"The majority of victims are not even aware that their computer has been compromised or their personal information exploited," said FBI assistant director for the cyber division James Finch in a statement.
"An attacker gains control by infecting the computer with a virus or other malicious code and the computer continues to operate normally," he said.
"Citizens can protect themselves from botnets and the associated schemes by practicing strong computer security habits to reduce the risk that your computer will be compromised."
The FBI said it had arrested three people in the past few weeks accused of being "botherders," controlling botnets of computers that can be used for identity theft, phishing, spam or other malicious activity.
Those charged included Robert Soloway of Seattle, Washington, the alleged "spam king" believed to be responsible for millions of spam e-mails.
Also, James Brewer of Arlington, Texas, is alleged to have operated a botnet that infected Chicago area hospitals and Jason Michael Downey of Covington, Kentucky, is accused of using botnets to send a high volume of traffic that might harm computer networks.
By infecting computers, hackers can create the botnets of "zombie" computers that can be used for additional attacks.
Maarten Van Horenbeeck, a security expert at the SANS Internet Storm centre, said the FBI effort to stem the tide of spam and hacking "should be applauded."
However, the impact of arrests on the "increasing botnet count remains to be seen," he added.
"In order to prevent these botnets from being taken over by foreign botherders, law will need to be aligned globally," he said.
The FBI warned computer users that it would not contact victims online, and said any e-mails suggesting this should be viewed with caution "because they could be part of a malicious phishing scheme attempting to exploit this issue."
The FBI is in the process of locating and notifying the users of one million computers controlled by hackers through automated crime networks or "botnets," officials said Friday.
Authorities announced this week three arrests in separate schemes to infect computers to allow them to be remotely controlled by malicious software, usually sent by spam e-mail.
FBI special agent Richard Kolko said "the vast majority" of the million computers were in the United States but added that "it's a global problem" and the US authorities have worked with partners from as many as 60 countries in the investigations.
"The majority of victims are not even aware that their computer has been compromised or their personal information exploited," said FBI assistant director for the cyber division James Finch in a statement.
"An attacker gains control by infecting the computer with a virus or other malicious code and the computer continues to operate normally," he said.
"Citizens can protect themselves from botnets and the associated schemes by practicing strong computer security habits to reduce the risk that your computer will be compromised."
The FBI said it had arrested three people in the past few weeks accused of being "botherders," controlling botnets of computers that can be used for identity theft, phishing, spam or other malicious activity.
Those charged included Robert Soloway of Seattle, Washington, the alleged "spam king" believed to be responsible for millions of spam e-mails.
Also, James Brewer of Arlington, Texas, is alleged to have operated a botnet that infected Chicago area hospitals and Jason Michael Downey of Covington, Kentucky, is accused of using botnets to send a high volume of traffic that might harm computer networks.
By infecting computers, hackers can create the botnets of "zombie" computers that can be used for additional attacks.
Maarten Van Horenbeeck, a security expert at the SANS Internet Storm centre, said the FBI effort to stem the tide of spam and hacking "should be applauded."
However, the impact of arrests on the "increasing botnet count remains to be seen," he added.
"In order to prevent these botnets from being taken over by foreign botherders, law will need to be aligned globally," he said.
The FBI warned computer users that it would not contact victims online, and said any e-mails suggesting this should be viewed with caution "because they could be part of a malicious phishing scheme attempting to exploit this issue."
