Scarface Botnet

The Scarface Botnet is a relatively unpopular botnet project that was created by previously unknown cybercriminals calling themselves 'Scarface.' The threat is not sophisticated at all. Still, it has more than enough features to cause mayhem thanks to the fact that the majority of its code is borrowed from the infamous Mirai Botnet project. Mirai's source code was released online in 2017, and, unfortunately, it has given dozens of cybercriminals the opportunity to create a fully-functional botnet with just a few hours of work.

The Scarface Botnet has not reached impressive size because its creator is using exploits that only work against very outdated Internet-of-Things devices whose owners have not bothered to update their firmware. While this limits the Scarface Botnet's scope greatly, it has still been enough to enslave a few hundred PCs that the botnet's creator can command. So far, the Scarface Botnet has not engaged in any major attacks, but it is possible that its owner may opt to harvest the enslaved systems to execute distributed-denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks or cryptocurrency mining operations.

Spin-offs of the Mirai Botnet are likely to become a regular occurrence, and the best way to protect your network from them is to make sure that you apply all firmware updates to Internet-connected hardware. It is also advisable to rely on strong login credentials for all services you use.