BotNet News

Botnets are computer networks of infected computers that cyber criminals use to carry out attacks. They are controlled by bot herders and botmasters who use them for a variety of purposes. These include stealing money, conducting DDoS attacks, sending spam and phishing scams, and even spreading malware.

Using Malware to Create Botnets

To control the bots, the cybercriminals rely on their malware. They may inject the bots with new malicious software or update existing code. This malware spreads to other machines, causing them to join the botnet and conduct malicious activities.

Controlling a Botnet

To control a botnet, the hacker uses a command and control (C&C) server to relay instructions. This C&C may be centralized, meaning that it controls all of the bots in the network, or decentralized, which means that the communication between the bots and the C&C is distributed across multiple servers.

Taking Down Botnets

To take down botnets, investigators attempt to identify the malware at the source of the attack. They also try to trace the communication between infected devices and the C&C servers.

As the number of connected devices continues to increase, the proliferation of botnets is inevitable. Increasingly, these attacks can affect internet infrastructure, communications systems and electrical grids. As a result, the laws around botnets are likely to evolve. Users can help reduce their risk of infection by keeping anti-virus security updated, patching vulnerabilities promptly, and ensuring that their device is password-protected. Businesses can also improve their IoT security by putting stricter authentication methods in place.