Police close in on NZ botnet ringleader

New Zealand police have cracked down on an alleged botnet ringleader in New Zealand, who the FBI claims had illegal control over one million computers.

The sweep is part of the FBI's second phase of 'Operation Bot Roast' - the same operation which resulted in four felony charges against US security consultant John Schiefer.

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The New Zealand suspect, who goes by the name of 'Akill', came under fire after an information-sharing exercise between the New Zealand police, the US Secret Service and the FBI. He has been interviewed by New Zealand police and investigators have seized computers from his home.

FBI Director Robert Mueller said botnets are the "weapon of choice" for cybercriminals.

Mueller said: "They seek to conceal their criminal activities by using third-party computers as vehicles for their crimes. In Bot Roast II, we see the diverse and complex nature of crimes that are being committed through the use of botnets."

Since Operation Bot Roast was announced last June, eight individuals have been indicted, pled guilty or been sentenced for crimes related to botnet activity, according to the FBI. Law enforcement agencies have also served 13 search warrants in the US and elsewhere.

FBI Cyber Division assistant director James Finch has warned users to protect their systems.

Finch said: "Practising strong computer-security habits, such as updating anti-virus software, installing a firewall, using strong passwords and employing good email and web-security practices, are as basic as putting locks on your doors and windows."

Finch added: "Without employing these safeguards, botnets, along with criminal and possibly terrorist activities, will continue to flourish."

Most individuals identified by the FBI in Operation Bot Roast II are male, US citizens, less than 30 years old.

Liam Tung writes for CNET News.com and ZDNET Australia