Security News > 2021 > February > Yeezy Fans Face Sneaker-Bot Armies for Hot Kicks Releases
Researchers at Cequence Security track bots across the internet, and the company's hacker-in-residence, Jason Kent, told Threatpost that sneaker bots are plaguing new shoe releases, like the Adidas Yeezy "Ash Blues" released in late February, and creating legions of frustrated customers who can't get new products.
While regular shoppers are stuck working through a retailer's web interface, Kent said these sneaker bots get in through the site's API, a much more efficient route to scoop up product.
The software said it's goal is to keep the user from ever missing another sneaker release, and will even organize sneaker shoppers into teams for maximum impact.
Kent has good news for sneakerheads: He predicts by this time next year, retailers will have to get sneaker bots under control if they want big brands to continue working with them.
It's not just shoes - the recent releases of the PS5 and Xbox last fall were marred by armies of bots scooping up all the consoles and reselling at astronomical markups.
Building consumer frustration is forcing companies to get serious about bot mitigation, Kent explained.