Who Is Anna-Senpai, the Mirai Worm Author?

Who Is Anna-Senpai, the Mirai Worm Author?(krebsonsecurity.com)

137 points by denwer 9 years ago | 14 comments

jjoachim3 9 years ago |

One of the comments on the Krebs article points to a Reddit comment from "Anna-Senpai" posted five days ago, before the article was published (note: contains strong language): https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/5nqq3c/serious_p...

codedokode 9 years ago |

Just wanted to add a slightly off-topic note:

> At the time, an exploit for a software weakness in Skype was being traded online, and this exploit could be used to remotely and instantaneously disable any Skype account.

According to this article [1] blocking someone's account is still possible.

[1] https://hub.zhovner.com/geek/how-skype-fixes-security-vulner...

openmosix 9 years ago |

Amazing read. I'm wondering if the release of this information has been timed with some other events - sort of responsible disclosure to FBI. I assume there's been an ongoing federal investigation and this will clearly tip the subject in destroying everything they're sitting on.

iscoelho 9 years ago | |

This was actually all disclosed to the FBI in advance when the Mirai source code was originally released. Afaik Krebs has also been communicating with them and sharing his findings. It's not really a disclosure so much as a reaction because I'd assume the FBI investigation has advanced and he now believes it's the appropriate timing since all the puzzle pieces came together. The information has been held back for quite a bit to not interfere with the FBI.

cixin 9 years ago |

Wow, I wouldn't be so confident in putting all this personal information out it the open. But this was a great read.

It's both sad, worrying, and slightly comforting that Mirai is run by a bunch of kids. Gives me hope that these issues can eventually be resolved.

mhurron 9 years ago | |

> I wouldn't be so confident in putting all this personal information out it the open

Neither would I, because there is no proof of it. It is entirely coincidence and hearsay. Interesting to pass on to police, but not necessarily to call someone out publicly with.

alexforster 9 years ago |

> 20-year-old [ProTraf] President Paras Jha, from Fanwood, NJ

sean_patel 9 years ago | |

Yep, noticed that too. Plus he's Indian, which makes me want to apologise for my Race :(

jlgaddis 9 years ago | | |

Don't. Every race has its assholes, and they aren't representative of everyone else.

libeclipse 9 years ago |

Well written and a decent read, but honestly though, does anyone actually care? Sure, disclose this to the FBI but I can anticipate the apathy of anyone who is even a little familiar with the HF skid scene.

It's just another skid that made some bruteforcing malware but this time let the other little HF skiddies have fun with it too instead of just hoarding it for himself.

meowface 9 years ago | |

The intrusion techniques weren't novel but the overall execution was masterful enough to raise his botnet into some of the largest and most powerful in history.

Innovation is not the only route to talent. And I'm unsure whether they do or don't, but people should care. I hope he gets extradited.

robertcorey 9 years ago | |

Really he is a skid? his aptitude at such a young age is very impressive to me.

marssaxman 9 years ago | |

What do you mean when you say "HF skid"?

betenoire 9 years ago | | |

hf = Hackforums, skid = script kiddie