In a coordinated operation, the police and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) managed a large-scale botnet takedown. The action led to an important disruption of the infrastructure behind a network that had been used to spread malware and support cyberattacks. The investigation traced the operation to servers hosted in the Netherlands and resulted in those servers being taken offline.
This news highlights how quickly threats can scale when malware spreads to everyday devices—and why cooperation between security services and cyber experts matters. Below, we explain what the operation found, what a botnet is, how devices become part of one, and what you can do to reduce the risk.
What the botnet takedown achieved
The joint effort between the police and NCSC started after a security researcher reported findings to NCSC. From there, the information was shared with the police, and investigators continued the work together. The research showed that the botnet operated using a set of servers that hosted and coordinated the malicious infrastructure.
During the operation, investigators identified 200 servers that were used in the network. These servers were linked to the distribution of malware to large numbers of infected devices—such as computers, tablets, and smartphones—used to carry out cybercriminal activities.
In addition to locating the servers, the investigation also determined the scale of the infection. The botnet consisted of at least 17 million infected devices. That number illustrates how damaging botnets can be: once a device is compromised, it can be used to support attacks in the background.
How investigators found the network
One of the key starting points was the report of a security researcher to NCSC. After receiving the notification, NCSC informed the police so that the case could be investigated in a coordinated manner. Together, they examined the technical details and worked toward identifying the hosting infrastructure used by the botnet.
The findings indicated that the 200 servers used for hosting the botnet infrastructure were located in the Netherlands. That location mattered for enforcement and for moving quickly from identification to disruption.
Why hosting providers played a crucial role
After the servers were identified, the police seized multiple servers used by the botnet for further research at a hosting provider. Seizure allowed investigators to analyze how the infrastructure worked and why it was suitable for supporting criminal activity.
Following this, the hosting provider took the botnet offline because the servers were used for criminal purposes. This step is essential in a botnet takedown: even if the investigation is thorough, the threat remains active until the command and infrastructure used by the botnet are disabled.
What is a botnet?
A botnet is a network of infected devices—such as computers, routers, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, including security cameras—that have been compromised with malicious software. Once infected, these devices can be used for illegal activity.
Criminals can often control infected devices remotely, sometimes without the owner noticing anything unusual. That makes botnets particularly dangerous: normal-looking consumer devices can be turned into parts of a large, coordinated attack platform.
Botnets are used for different forms of cybercrime, including:
- Cyberattacks, supported by the distributed power of many infected devices
- Spam and phishing email campaigns
- Online fraud
- Disrupting websites by sending large volumes of traffic at once
How a device becomes part of a botnet
A device typically joins a botnet when it is reachable and vulnerable to attackers. After an intrusion, criminals can install malware that enables remote control. From that moment, the device becomes a node within the botnet and can be used to support criminal operations.
In practice, this can happen when a device has security weaknesses that are not fixed or when access protections are too weak. Many compromises target consumer equipment, because such devices are often deployed broadly and may not receive consistent security updates.
Securing your devices to prevent misuse
You can’t eliminate all risk, but you can reduce the chance that your equipment is abused as part of a botnet. Based on the guidance in the underlying report, the most important measures focus on updates, access control, device visibility, and network protection.
Keep systems and devices up to date
Regularly update your operating system, router, and applications. Patching known security vulnerabilities helps prevent attackers from using documented weaknesses to gain access.
Know what devices are on your network
Pay attention to your “edge devices”—the routers, smart devices, and IoT equipment connected to your network. Being aware of what is present makes it easier to notice unfamiliar or unexpected devices.
Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication
Choose strong passwords that are unique to each service. Where possible, turn on two-factor authentication to add an extra barrier against account takeover.
Install software only from trusted sources
Only install apps and software from reliable sources. Avoid clicking suspicious links or opening attachments that you did not expect, as these are common routes for malware delivery.
Secure your Wi-Fi and change default settings
Protect your Wi-Fi network using WPA2 or WPA3. Also change default passwords on smart devices and routers right away, because default credentials are a frequent weak point.
Use security software and review connected devices
Consider using antivirus or security tools and check regularly which devices are connected to your network. If you see something you cannot explain, investigate immediately.
Why routers and IoT devices are frequent targets
Consumer equipment is a popular target for cybercriminals. Routers, mobile devices, and IoT systems often remain reachable and may be less rigorously managed than corporate environments.
The report also notes that “residential proxies” can be used in different cyberattack scenarios. While the details of how those proxy networks are built are not expanded here, the key takeaway is clear: compromised residential and smart devices can be leveraged to make malicious activity harder to block.
Practical takeaway: reduce the attack surface
A botnet takedown shows what happens when defenders successfully disrupt command infrastructure. But your personal goal is prevention: reduce your device exposure before attackers ever gain a foothold.
Start with the basics—keep firmware and software updated, strengthen authentication, secure your Wi-Fi, and monitor which devices are connected. These actions directly address the most common conditions that allow malware to spread and stay active.
Conclusion
The police and NCSC successfully coordinated a major botnet takedown that disrupted infrastructure used to infect and control millions of devices. By identifying hosting servers in the Netherlands, seizing key systems for investigation, and having the provider take the network offline, investigators removed an important enabling layer for cybercriminal operations.
While large-scale interventions are essential, individuals and organizations also play a role. Staying current with security updates, securing accounts and Wi-Fi, and monitoring connected devices can significantly lower the risk that your equipment becomes part of someone else’s botnet.
Source: https://www.ncsc.nl/nieuws/gezamenlijke-actie-politie-en-ncsc-legt-groot-botnetwerk-plat
