Ars Technica5/29/2026Tech3 min readUnited States
Netherlands Dismantles 17M Device Botnet Linked to Russia-Based Proxy Service
Quick Look
Dutch authorities dismantled a massive botnet of over 17 million devices managed by 200 servers in the Netherlands, linked to Russia-based ASOCKS, which provides residential proxy services often used for illicit activities.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Residential proxies are increasingly used for cybercrime.
Font size
Authorities in the Netherlands said they dismantled a botnet that comprised more than 17 million devices and were managed by 200 servers in a joint operation by the police and the National Cyber Security Center. [...] People should carefully research apps before installing them and then only when they provide a true benefit.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Increased scrutiny of proxy services
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- How were the 17M devices compromised?
Related Topics
This article was originally published by Ars Technica.
