A recent report from Aqua Security reveals a widespread cyber attack known as the Matrix, which is affecting nearly 35 million home routers globally. This attack not only slows down internet speeds for users but also poses significant risks to businesses, including operational disruptions and reputational harm.
The Matrix campaign, attributed to a likely Russian threat actor, utilizes a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) strategy that exploits vulnerabilities in internet-connected devices, particularly IoT systems. This sophisticated botnet combines various techniques, including public scripts, brute-force attacks, and weak credential exploitation.
Importantly, the report highlights a worrying trend where even less skilled hackers, referred to as 'script kiddies,' can launch large-scale attacks using readily available tools. As the cyber threat landscape evolves, the Matrix incident underscores the necessity for robust security measures, such as updating router firmware and using strong administrative passwords.