Microsoft announced today a major reward for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of those responsible for the infamous botnet Rustock once responsible for billions of spam emails. In fact, the company is offering $250,000 dollars for the information.
The demise of the major spam network, “Rustock”, is reported to be responsible for the elimination of 40% of all junk email. In fact, Rustock was sending 44.1 billion spams per day. In March, the botnet ceased its operations and was dismantled due to the partnership of the tech industry and law enforcement.
Rustock, which was reported to be running out of Russia, infiltrated over 1 million computers worldwide when victims would visit malicious websites. After Rustock gained control of the victom’s computer, junk email would be sent out in bulk.
Microsoft’s Senior Attorney for the Digital Crimes Unit had this to say in a blog post:
This reward offer stems from Microsoft’s recognition that the Rustock botnet is responsible for a number of criminal activities and serves to underscore our commitment to tracking down those behind it. While the primary goal for our legal and technical operation has been to stop and disrupt the threat that Rustock has posed for everyone affected by it, we also believe the Rustock bot-herders should be held accountable for their actions.
Microsoft has already been gathering strong evidence in our ongoing investigation and this reward aims to take that effort a step further. We will continue to follow this case wherever it leads us and remain committed to working with our partners around the world to help people regain control of their Rustock-infected computers. (For free information and resources to clean your computer, visit support.microsoft.com/botnets.)
Note: The total maximum amount eligible for reward is $250,000.00 (USD value). Residents of any country are eligible for the reward pursuant to the laws of that country, because the Rustock botnet affected the Internet community worldwide. Anyone with information on the Rustock botnet or its operators should contact Microsoft.
Anyone with information about Rustock is encouraged to contact Microsoft at [email protected].
