Over the years, the scale and complexity of cybersecurity threats have been growing, and the recent activity of the Gorilla botnet is a good example of what a potential threat looks like. 

This botnet, which was named GorillaBot in September 2024, launched nearly 300,000 Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks across over 100 countries, disrupting sectors such as telecommunications, government, banking, and gaming.

The rise of the Gorilla botnet has brought it to the forefront of cybersecurity news and has reminded the world of what malware can do. So, what is the Gorilla botnet, how does it operate, and, most importantly for everyone, how can you protect yourself against these types of threats? 

This blog dives deep into the technical workings of GorillaBot, its targets, the impact of DDoS attacks, and how to safeguard your information from being compromised. So, don’t wait until it’s too late - download PrivacyHawk to stay one step ahead of threats like these and protect your personal data!

What is the Gorilla Botnet?

The Gorilla botnet is a relatively new malware family that has quickly become one of the most dangerous botnets in operation today. It takes its inspiration from the leaked source code of the notorious Mirai botnet, which caused significant damage globally in previous years.

Between September 4 and September 27, 2024, the Gorilla botnet issued over 300,000 attack commands - an alarming number that showcases the botnet's capacity to launch large-scale attacks. On average, more than 20,000 DDoS attack commands were executed every day during this period, disrupting essential services across sectors like education, telecom, gaming, and government.

The botnet uses a variety of attack methods, such as UDP flood, SYN flood, ACK flood, and Valve Source Engine (VSE) flood. These attacks overwhelm targeted servers with an avalanche of data requests, effectively shutting them down by consuming all available resources. The botnet is also capable of IP spoofing, allowing it to mask the true source of its attacks.

In addition to traditional DDoS tactics, the Gorilla botnet includes remote code execution exploits to gain unauthorized access to compromised systems. Specifically, it abuses a vulnerability in Apache Hadoop YARN RPC, a flaw that has been actively exploited since 2021.

How Does GorillaBot Work?

GorillaBot is not a simple piece of malware. It is designed to operate across multiple CPU architectures like ARM, MIPS, x86_64, and x86, giving it the ability to infect a wide range of devices, including IoT devices and cloud hosts. The botnet achieves persistence on the infected devices by creating service files that allow it to run every time the system starts up, ensuring that the infected system remains under its control for the long term.

The botnet uses five predefined command-and-control (C2) servers to receive its attack commands. These servers send instructions to the compromised systems, which then carry out the DDoS attacks. It also employs encryption techniques commonly used by the Keksec group, a notorious hacking collective, to obscure its operations and avoid detection by security systems.

But what makes GorillaBot particularly dangerous is its high level of counter-detection awareness. The malware is designed to evade traditional security measures, making it difficult for cybersecurity professionals to detect and neutralize it before it causes significant damage.

Who Has Been Targeted?

GorillaBot has had a widespread impact, with organizations in more than 100 countries affected by its attacks. Some of the primary targets have included:

• Telecommunications providers

• Government websites

• Banks

• Universities

• Gaming and gambling platforms

Countries most affected by the Gorilla botnet include China, the United States, Canada, and Germany, where institutions across various sectors have faced service outages and disruptions due to these DDoS attacks.

With the growing interconnectivity of devices and the increasing reliance on cloud services, the risks posed by botnets like Gorilla are immense. This underscores the importance of having strong cybersecurity measures in place to mitigate such attacks.

The Threat of Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks

DDoS attacks are one of the most common methods used by cybercriminals to disrupt services and cause financial damage. In a DDoS attack, a large number of compromised devices - often part of a botnet - send an overwhelming amount of data traffic to a targeted server, making it impossible for the server to respond to legitimate requests.

The Gorilla botnet's DDoS attacks have been particularly damaging because of the sheer volume of traffic generated. When thousands of infected devices send data simultaneously, even the most robust servers can become overwhelmed.

DDoS attacks can result in:

• A DDoS attack can cause a website to go offline, preventing customers from accessing services.

• Prolonged downtime can lead to lost revenue, especially for e-commerce websites or platforms that rely on online transactions.

• If customers or users are unable to access a website due to an attack, it can harm the reputation of the company or institution.

How to Protect Your Information from Botnet Threats

While large-scale DDoS attacks like those launched by the Gorilla botnet primarily target organizations, individuals are not immune from the risks. 

Compromised devices, especially IoT devices like smart cameras, routers, and home assistants, can be recruited into botnets, making it essential to take preventive measures to secure your personal information.

Here’s how you can protect yourself:

1. Secure Your Devices

Ensure that all your devices, including IoT gadgets, have strong security settings in place. This means updating firmware regularly, changing default passwords, and enabling firewalls where applicable.

2. Use Strong Passwords

A simple but effective measure is to use strong, unique passwords for each device and account. You can also enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security.

3. Monitor Your Digital Footprint

Keeping track of where your personal data is stored and who has access to it is critical. With PrivacyHawk, you can stay ahead of cybercriminals by deleting your data from vulnerable websites. Get started today by using its Digital Footprint Reduction tool, which scans your inbox for companies holding your data and helps streamline the process of sending delete or unsubscribe requests.

4. Implement Anti-DDoS Solutions

For businesses, investing in DDoS protection solutions is crucial. These tools can detect and block abnormal traffic patterns before they overwhelm your servers. Solutions that use machine learning to adapt to evolving threats are especially effective.

5. Stay Informed About Cybersecurity Risks

Being aware of the latest cybersecurity threats is essential. Stay updated on known vulnerabilities, like the Apache Hadoop YARN RPC flaw that GorillaBot exploits, and patch them as soon as updates are available.

FAQs

1. What makes the Gorilla botnet so dangerous?

The Gorilla botnet is dangerous because of its ability to launch massive DDoS attacks using thousands of compromised devices. It can evade detection using encryption techniques and maintain long-term control over infected devices, making it highly resilient.

2. How can I tell if my device has been compromised by a botnet like Gorilla?

Signs that your device may be part of a botnet include unusually slow internet speeds, unexpected spikes in data usage, and unresponsiveness. If you suspect your device is compromised, run a security scan and ensure that your firmware is up to date.

3. Can PrivacyHawk protect me from botnets?

While PrivacyHawk primarily focuses on protecting personal data from being exposed, its dark web monitoring and breach alerts can help you stay informed if your information is being used maliciously. By opting out of data broker databases, PrivacyHawk reduces the chances of your personal information being exploited in cyberattacks.

Conclusion

The Gorilla botnet’s 300,000 DDoS attack rampage is a stark reminder of the growing sophistication of cyber threats. 

As botnets become more advanced, both individuals and organizations need to take proactive measures to protect their data and systems from being compromised. By securing your devices, monitoring your digital footprint, and using tools like PrivacyHawk, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to these attacks.

In an increasingly interconnected world, staying informed and taking the right steps to protect your information is essential.