The Kneber Botnet Infects over 75000 Computers

Security researchers at Herndon, Va.-based NetWitness Corp. have unearthed a massive botnet affecting at least 75,000 computers at 2,500 companies and government agencies worldwide. It has been used to gather login credentials for systems, social networking sites, and email. This information will be worth a fortune on the black cybermarket.

The Kneber botnet appears to have originated with a virus in Asia in 1998, but the most active period in North America has been during the past 18 months. A number of major companies have been infected, including Merck & Co, Paramount Pictures and Juniper Networks.

It's the latest in the ongoing and overheated battle against viruses and hackers. More at this site.