Juice: A Longitudinal Study of an SEO Botnet

Author(s): David Y. Wang, Stefan Savage, and Geoffrey M. Voelker

Download: Paper (PDF)

Date: 23 Apr 2013

Document Type: Presentations

Additional Documents: Slides

Associated Event: NDSS Symposium 2013

Abstract:

Black hat search engine optimization (SEO) campaigns attempt to attract and monetize traffic.  Using Web site compromise and cloaking, SEO botnets can manipulate search result rankings, ultimately directing users to sites promoting scams (e.g. fake antivirus).  In this paper, we infiltrate an influential SEO botnet, GR, characterize its dynamics and effectiveness and identify key scams driving its innovation.