Windows computers may allow cybercriminals to spread the Mirai infection by searching for other vulnerable devices.

Dark Reading Staff, Dark Reading

February 14, 2017

1 Min Read

Cybercriminals are turning to Windows computers to help the Mirai botnet find more devices to infect and expand their target list, says Forbes. Their intention is to allow the infection to spread further and faster.

The Mirai botnet, which was responsible for last year's crippling attack on sites like Amazon, Twitter and Netflix, can carry out large-scale Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks on Internet of Things (IoT) tools and infect exposed devices. Through Windows computers, hackers can further their goals by using the Mirai malware to scan other network ports for more vulnerable devices and infect them, too.

Forbes adds that when it targets Windows machines, Mirai malware can show more malice than just infecting others. It can alter the Windows registry, create and delete files, and cause damage to SQL databases.

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Dark Reading Staff

Dark Reading

Dark Reading is a leading cybersecurity media site.

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