Blackhole Exploit Kit Successor Years Away

msm1267 writes "The Blackhole Exploit Kit has been out of commission since October when its alleged creator, a hacker named Paunch, was arrested in Russia. The kit was a favorite among cybercriminals who took advantage of its frequent updates and business model to distribute financial malware to great profit. Since the arrest of Paunch, however, a viable successor has yet to emerge--and experts believe one will not in the short term. This is partially the reason for the increase in outbreaks of ransomware such as CryptoLocker as hackers aggressively attempt to recover lost profits."

Years Away? I call Shenanigans

[Anonymous Coward]

Let's face it, these professional exploit writers are not "years away" from their next great product. They don't stand idly by thinking they are winning. They continue to develop and hone their craft.

These new 'crypto locker' products are problematic and are going to wreak a lot of havoc on people. And while we security folks are battling the latest lock schlock the exploiteers are just waiting for us to get a handle on things so they can throw us the next curveball.

And let's not forget that the end of support for XP is coming in April. Whatever they have been holding back for XP's independence will show up soon after Microsoft finally sets XP adrift on an ice raft.

Re:Years Away? I call Shenanigans

[Cryacin]

One company's malware is another company's upgrade incentive.

Re:Years Away? I call Shenanigans

[sunderland56]

Let's face it, these professional exploit writers are not "years away" from their next great product.

And also don't forget - a *truly* great exploit kit is completely unknown to security researchers and the press. Once it's existence is known, it becomes much less useful.

Not Hackers

[ilikenwf]

People who do this aren't hackers, they're degenerate criminals. Hacking doesn't mean cybercrime, and I resent the assumption that it does.

Re:Years Away? I call Shenanigans

[plover]

It certainly won't get Grandma to update her Windows XP box. "You mean the emails and internets machine? I don't do anything with that."

A million zombies strong - and growing.

Re:Years Away? I call Shenanigans

[Anonymous Coward]

Yes, and we should shame Grandma because she can't afford to plop down several grand on a Windows 8 license, new computer, and internet connection on her fixed income which barely pays for her medications and food. That seems legit.

Ah, it is good to see that you are back with your outlandish statements and disproportionate replies to innocuous statements.