What is a Botnet?
A Botnet is a network of Internet-connected devices that run a malicious software called a bot. When infected, devices become part of the botnet and can be used to perform Distributed Denial-of-Service attacks, steal data, send spam or allow the attacker to access the device and its connection. The bots in a botnet are controlled by a malicious hacker, known as a bot herder.
The bot herder uses malware or viruses to infect devices connected to the internet. This includes computers, phones, tablets, smart TVs, routers, desktops, printers and even IoT devices like security cameras. Once a sufficient number of devices are infected, they report back to the bot herder. The herder then gives the bots automated commands and updates. Bots wait for these instructions before carrying out their malicious activities or cyber attacks.
Some of the earliest botnets use an Internet Relay Chat (IRC) communication protocol to control the bots remotely. The bots connect to a pre-configured IRC server and channel to receive their automated commands. Other botnets rely on the HTTP protocol to communicate with their C&C servers. This type of botnet is more difficult to track because it hides its traffic as normal web traffic.
Botnets are incredibly common and a significant threat to online security. To protect your device from becoming a victim of a botnet, always keep antivirus software running and set up 2FA on any accounts you have. This is especially important if you’re using cloud services such as email or social media platforms. If you’re interested in learning how to protect your network from cybersecurity threats, Simplilearn offers a comprehensive Executive Program In Cyber Security that covers ethical hacking and penetration testing techniques.