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Russian Malware Communicates Using Britney Spears's Instagram Account (welivesecurity.com)
JustAnotherOldGuy writes: A key weakness in malicious software is the "Command and Control" (C&C) system -- a central server that the malware-infected systems contact to receive updates and instructions, and to send stolen data. Anti-malware researchers like to reverse engineer malicious code, discover the C&C server's address, and then shut it down. Turla is an "advanced persistent threat" hacking group based in Russia with a long history of attacking states in ways that advance Russian state interests. A new analysis by Eset shows that Turla is solving its C&C problems by using Britney Spears' Instagram account as a cut-out for its C&C servers. Turla moves the C&C server around, then hides the current address of the server in encrypted comments left on Britney Spears's image posts. The compromised systems check in with Spears' Instagram whenever they need to know where the C&C server is currently residing.
...that the links of Britney Spears with the Russian counterintelligence and propaganda units are investigated.
Rome taught me patience and assiduous application to detail. Virtues which temper the boldness of great, general views.
This is funny, nifty and frightening, all at the same time!
The Russians compromise yet another Great American! WHEN WILL IT ALL END?
If you want news from today, you have to come back tomorrow.
Leave Britney Alone!
Sorry.
Sigh... Britney Spears' Instagram account, not Britney Spears's Instagram account. You got it right in the summary at least.