What is a Botnet?
Unlike traditional malware, botnets leverage networks to gain resilience. They allow criminals to steal data, send spam, and launch DDoS attacks. However, they are also vulnerable to attack. In some instances, the botnet can cause serious damage, including financial losses.
Several different types of bots are used by attackers. They include P2P bots, which are software applications that send commands to other bots. In contrast to traditional bots, P2P bots don’t need a central server.
In most botnets, the originator, or “bot master,” controls the botnet from a remote location. This person is also called a “bot herder.” The herder can rent out the botnet for a significant amount of money.
In addition to being able to steal data, bots can infect other devices. These devices can then be controlled remotely by threat actors. Typically, these devices share updated commands, scan for other devices in the botnet, and scan for malicious websites. They can also be programmed to scan for and share the latest versions of malware.
Although botnets are sophisticated forms of malware, they are relatively easy to remove. However, this can take time, especially if the machine is actively participating in the botnet. You should analyze the traffic to find the central command and control (C&C) server.
The most common botnet configuration is a client-server model. The bot program contacts a remote server, usually a web site. It then reports back to the master, which then sends commands to the infected botnet clients.