Russian cyber gangs use affiliate networks

An entire business ecosystem has sprung up to promote the proliferation of rogue software, as well as pharmaceuticals and counterfeit brand-name goods. In fact, Russian cyber gangs have even set up affiliate networks to essentially rope in contractors to drive web traffic to specific websites where unwitting end-users are divested of their money.

According to security vendor Sophos, some of the tricks include using malware to infect computers. Once in, these malware could temper with DNS settings to forcibly redirect users to these websites, or generate fake Google search results to trick users into visiting harmful sites. Much like how traditional affiliate networks work, other viable methods might include SEO optimizations, where affiliates work to get their "doorway" sites listed high on search engines.

I'm writing more about this sad state of affairs in today's commentary, so do check it out here.

For more on this story:
- check out this article at Network World

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