A pair of security researchers speaking at the ongoing RSA Conference Feb. 7 demonstrated their <A HREF="http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,2092435,00.asp?kc=EWEWEMNL020807EP31A">techniques for catching botnet operators</A> who use secret legions of infected computers to distribute malware programs and violent political propaganda. The botnet experts, both of whom are employed by anti-malware software maker FaceTime Communications, detailed how they identified and pursued individuals believed to be responsible for running a pair of sophisticated botnet schemes, which have been subsequently shut down or significantly scaled back.