Eugene Resident Charged with Orchestrating One of the Most Powerful DDoS-for-Hire Botnets, Linked to Over 370,000 Cyberattacks Across More Than 80 Countries
Overview of RapperBot
Cybercriminals continue to evolve their tactics, and one of the most alarming examples in recent years is the emergence of RapperBot, a botnet designed to hijack Internet of Things (IoT) devices for large-scale cyberattacks. First detected in 2022, RapperBot gained notoriety for its aggressive use of SSH brute-force techniques and its ability to maintain persistent access to compromised systems. With over 370,000 attacks launched across more than 80 countries, it posed a serious threat to global cybersecurity.
In a breakthrough, U.S. authorities have charged a 22-year-old Oregon man with operating RapperBot. The botnet, which hijacked thousands of devices to launch massive DDoS attacks, was dismantled as part of Operation PowerOFF, a global law enforcement initiative involving federal agencies and major tech companies. This marks a significant victory in the fight against cybercrime and digital extortion.
Scale and Impact
RapperBot operated on a massive scale, infecting thousands of vulnerable IoT devices worldwide. By leveraging brute-force SSH attacks, it gained persistent access to routers, DVRs, and other embedded systems, turning them into tools for cybercrime. The botnet was responsible for over 370,000 Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks across more than 80 countries, targeting businesses, infrastructure, and individuals.
Beyond DDoS attacks, RapperBot also engaged in cryptojacking, using compromised devices to mine cryptocurrency without the owners’ knowledge. This dual-purpose functionality amplified its impact, draining resources and exposing victims to further security risks.
Technical Methods
RapperBot stood out from typical botnets due to its use of SSH brute-force attacks targeting IoT devices with weak or default credentials. Once access was gained, it deployed malware that allowed for persistent control, even surviving device reboots and resets, a rare capability among botnets.
The malware scanned the internet for vulnerable devices, automatically attempting logins using a hardcoded list of credentials. Upon successful compromise, it installed payloads that connected the device to a command-and-control (C2) server, enabling remote execution of DDoS or cryptojacking operations.
Its modular design allowed operators to update capabilities over time, making it harder to detect and remove, and contributing to its widespread impact.
Law Enforcement Response
The takedown of RapperBot was part of Operation PowerOFF, a coordinated international effort to dismantle major cybercrime infrastructure. Led by the U.S. Department of Justice, the operation resulted in the arrest of Ethan Foltz, a 22-year-old Oregon resident accused of operating the botnet and profiting from its DDoS-for-hire services.
Federal agencies, including the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation Division, played key roles in tracking the botnet’s infrastructure and identifying its operator. Authorities seized servers and digital assets linked to RapperBot, effectively disrupting its operations and preventing further attacks.
This arrest marks a major milestone in the fight against cybercrime, sending a strong message to botnet operators and reinforcing the importance of global collaboration in cybersecurity enforcement.
Cybersecurity Implications
The rise and dismantling of RapperBot highlights critical vulnerabilities in the modern digital landscape, especially within the rapidly expanding IoT ecosystem. Devices like routers, DVRs, and smart home systems often lack robust security features, making them easy targets for botnets that exploit weak or default credentials.
This case underscores the urgent need for better device hardening, including strong authentication, regular firmware updates, and network segmentation. It also reveals how botnets are evolving to become more persistent and multifunctional, combining DDoS capabilities with cryptojacking and other malicious activities.
For organizations and individuals alike, RapperBot serves as a reminder that cyber hygiene is essential. Initiative-taking security measures, threat monitoring, and collaboration with law enforcement are key to defending against increasingly sophisticated threats.
Future Outlooks
While the dismantling of RapperBot is a major win, it also signals the ongoing evolution of botnet threats. As IoT adoption grows, so does the attack surface for cybercriminals. Future botnets may become even more resilient, stealthy, and multifunctional—combining DDoS, data theft, and financial fraud capabilities.
Law enforcement will continue investing in global operations like Operation PowerOFF, but success also depends on initiative-taking measures from device manufacturers, service providers, and end users. Strengthening default security settings, enforcing regular updates, and promoting cybersecurity awareness will be key to preventing the next wave of botnet-driven attacks.
RapperBot serves as both a warning and a call to action: the fight against cybercrime is far from over, and cross-sector collaboration is essential to staying ahead of emerging threats.