May 21, 2006

PPC clickfraud botnet found

by Brian Turner

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Computers & Internet

Security company PandaLabs is reported to have found a huge network of “zombie” computers - whose primary aim is to further clickfraud on Pay Per Click (PPC) advertising.

The size of the network is an astonising 34,000 computers, and reveals the degree of sophisitication that can be involved in PPC fraud.

Additionally, the report suggests that such networks are available to hire.

With the huge shift of online marketing spend moving to the internet, it shows a deeper level of corrupt business practices taking place.

Online advertisers are already concerned about issues of clickfraud, and lack of transparency at major PPC publishers - such as Google and Yahoo! - simply compound fears about wasted advertising spend.

In the meantime, it is unlikely to remain an isolated case - Platinax News reported last year about the use of botnets for PPC fraud - so expect to see further botnets for PPC clickfraud to be revealed.

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Story link: PPC clickfraud botnet found

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