Invasion of the Computer Snatchers

[Botnet Botmaster]

This WashingtonPost article describing the story of a "hacker" who uses his network of "botnet" PCs to make money by installing spyware/adware is a facinating read:

Invasion of the Computer Snatchers
Hackers are hijacking thousands of PCs to spy on users, shake down online businesses, steal identities and send millions of pieces of spam. If you think your computer is safe, think again

By Brian Krebs
Sunday, February 19, 2006; Page W10

In the six hours between crashing into bed and rolling out of it, the 21-year-old hacker has broken into nearly 2,000 personal computers around the globe. He slept while software he wrote scoured the Internet for vulnerable computers and infected them with viruses that turned them into slaves.
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Enjoy.