SystemBC Malware Turns VPS Servers Into High-Bandwidth Proxies For Criminals - 1

Image by Kevin Horvat, from Unsplash

SystemBC Malware Turns VPS Servers Into High-Bandwidth Proxies For Criminals

  • Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
  • Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

Researchers revealed that the SystemBC botnet converts VPS servers into proxy servers for criminal operations that include REM Proxy and ransomware attacks across the globe.

In a rush? Here are the quick facts:

  • SystemBC botnet compromises about 1,500 systems daily, mainly VPS servers.
  • REM Proxy sells tiered proxies, including Mikrotik routers, to criminal actors.
  • Nearly 80% of infected systems come from five large VPS providers.

Cybersecurity firm Lumen Technologies has discovered new details about the “SystemBC” botnet. This vast network of over 80 command-and-control servers (C2s), was found to have compromised around 1,500 systems on a daily basis. The researchers say that nearly 80% of these victims are virtual private servers (VPS) from major providers.

“By manipulating VPS systems instead of devices in residential IP space as is typical in malware-based proxy networks, SystemBC can offer proxies with massive amounts of volume for longer periods of time,” the researchers said.

The researchers explain that these infected VPS systems function as proxy servers, generating massive amounts of malicious traffic that criminal organizations use to conduct their operations.

The botnet also supports REM Proxy, a large network marketing 20,000 Mikrotik routers and other open proxies.

Lumen explains that REM Proxy operates as a proxy service which supports ransomware groups, such as Morpheus and TransferLoader, offering different proxy services that include fast and stealthy options, as well as affordable IP addresses for password cracking.

“SystemBC has exhibited sustained activity and operational resilience across multiple years,” Lumen said, noting that the malware originally documented in 2019 remains a key tool for criminal groups. Each infected server averages 20 unpatched vulnerabilities, with some showing over 160.

The malware functions as a proxy tool which enables attackers to redirect traffic through infected computers. Operators focus on volume rather than stealth; in one test, a single IP generated more than 16 gigabytes of data in 24 hours.

Lumen has blocked all traffic to and from SystemBC and REM Proxy infrastructure across its global network. The researchers also released indicators of compromise (IoCs) to help others protect themselves.

“We will continue to monitor new infrastructure, targeting activity, and expanding TTPs; and collaborate with the security research community to share findings,” the report concluded.

Gemini AI Matches World’s Best Coders In Programming Contest - 2

Image by Feyissa, from Unsplash

Gemini AI Matches World’s Best Coders In Programming Contest

  • Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
  • Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

Google DeepMind’s Gemini 2.5 Deep Think won a gold-medal at the 2025 International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) World Finals, which represents one of the most challenging coding competitions worldwide.

In a rush? Here are the quick facts:

  • Its score would rank 2nd overall compared to top university teams.
  • Gemini previously won gold at the International Mathematical Olympiad.
  • Gemini solved Problem C, which no human university team managed.

Google announced that their AI system completed 10 out of 12 problems, according to official ICPC rules, which would have ranked it in second position among university teams.

“The ICPC has always been about setting the highest standards in problem solving. Gemini successfully joining this arena, and achieving gold-level results, marks a key moment in defining the AI tools and academic standards needed for the next generation. Congratulations to Google DeepMind; this work will help us fuel a digital renaissance for the benefit of all,” said Dr. Bill Poucher, ICPC Global Executive Director, as reported by Google.

This success comes just two months after Gemini’s gold-medal performance at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), which demonstrated its enhanced capabilities for abstract thinking and creative problem-solving.

The competition took place in Baku Azerbaijan where Gemini solved eight problems within 45 minutes, and completed two more problems within three hours. The AI system solved Problem C which remained unsolved by all human teams during the competition. The AI system also solved the duct-and-reservoir problem through a sophisticated method which combined minimax theorem analysis with advanced search algorithms..

Gemini’s performance shows how AI can compete with top human coders. Researchers say that If its solutions were combined with the best human answers, all 12 problems would have been solved.

Beyond competitions, experts see this as a sign that AI could become a true collaborator in solving real-world challenges.