from the very stupid ideas department
You may remember that “back in 2007” Comcast here in the US was caught limiting BitTorrent uploads and subsequently lying about it. Since BitTorrent became popular, absorbing network resources, and Since the file streaming problem was a threat to traditional cable TV, Comcast executives thought the best solution would be to reduce the efficiency of the entire file transfer system and then lie about it over and over again.
17 years later and things are noticeably different. BitTorrent piracy is not as popular thanks to the rise of affordable streaming options. Networks are significantly more robust and network congestion management is much smarter and less intrusive. The debate over net neutrality (and inconsistent rules) has also required ISPs to be a bit more transparent about network management.
That's why it's even stranger to see South Korean ISP KT engaging in historically ignorant behavior. The ISP was recently discovered Infecting more than half a million of its subscribers with malware specifically designed to interfere with Torrent traffic and spy on users:
“The Gyeonggi South Police Agency, which conducted the raid and investigation, believes it was an organized hacking attempt. A specialized team at KT allegedly installed malware to spy on subscribers and interfere with their private file transfers… police have already identified more than a dozen persons of interest, who have been referred to the prosecutor.”
The attack took place in May 2020 and, while the investigation is ongoing, it is presumed that KT was trying to cut costs. Source report suggests that KT executives viewed BitTorrent (which again can be used for things other than piracy) as malware in itself and foolishly decided to respond in kind.
While network usage by piracy is still very manageable on any well-managed network, there has been a steady rise in piracy lately as streaming companies charge More and more money for worse service (Humans, if you haven't noticed, aren't very good at learning from history or experience). Still, modern network management teams should more than handle congestion, making malware use easier. extreme.
Please note that KT operates in an environment of regulatory capture in South Korea. A few years ago, Korean telecoms convinced gullible regulators to approve a new "the sender pays"Regulatory framework in which edge providers and content companies like Google and Netflix are forced to pay additional telecommunications fees just for your traffic to successfully reach its destination (consumers).
It has increased costs for everyone and has boosted some services such as, for example, Twitch, completely out of KoreaIt also resulted in KT suing Netflix in 2021, claiming that the streaming company owed her money simply because the TV show “Squid Game” was so popularThe Internet Society has explained in detail Why this approach is terrible for markets and consumers, but that hasn't stopped the ever-greedy telcos from pressuring corrupt lawmakers to implement the same approach in both US and EU.
When you're already operating in an environment of limited regulatory liability, I bet you're not so likely to think that Infect your own subscribers with malware will have significant repercussions. Apparently, the South Korean authorities had other ideas.
Filed in: net neutrality, Netflix, security, the sender pays, telecommunications
Companies: kt
