What is a Botnet?
A botnet is a large network of hijacked Internet-connected devices. These can be used to send spam, perform DDoS attacks, or sabotage websites.
Botnets are controlled by malware, allowing hackers to monitor and control infected computers. They can also be used for malicious purposes such as stealing personal data, performing DDoS attacks, or launching online scams.
There are two types of botnets: client-server and peer-to-peer. The former requires a central command and control (C&C) server. This makes them more difficult to remove, since a single point of failure can lead to a disruption.
Peer-to-peer botnets, on the other hand, are more resilient. Instead of a centralized C&C, these bots are controlled through a peer-to-peer system. However, they can be more difficult to detect and disrupt, since their traffic is largely untraceable.
Botnets have evolved over the years, but the basic concept hasn’t changed. Each infected computer becomes a mindless robot. But, this doesn’t mean that the real owners of the devices aren’t still using them.
The main motive for using a botnet is to conduct DDoS attacks. These attacks can take down entire servers and mobile devices.
In addition, botnets can be used for a wide variety of other tasks. For example, some botnets are designed to track points in online games. Another type of botnet is designed to eliminate people who violate chatroom policies.
As more people use smartphones and other mobile devices, they’re becoming targets of cyberattacks. Because these devices don’t require much in the way of security, they’re being co-opted into botnets.