BotNet News

A Botnet is a network of devices infected with malware that attackers control remotely. This allows them to send and receive commands, carry out automated attacks, and perform large-scale tasks that would be difficult or impossible to execute individually. Cybercriminals often use botnets to carry out ad fraud, cryptocurrency mining, DDoS attacks, mass email spam campaigns, and financial breaches.

To make a botnet work, hackers infect devices with malicious software using tactics such as phishing emails, exploit kits, and websites, or by stealing login credentials from users. Once an internet-connected device has been infected with bot malware, it starts communicating via a covert channel to a command and control server (C&C). This server acts as the hacker’s “herder” and can be located anywhere on the planet.

The herder can send commands to the bots, and they will then execute them. Depending on the bots, these can range from DDoS attacks and crypto mining to spam-sending and even downloading more malware. The herder may also sell or rent access to parts of the botnet on the black market.

Newer bots have evolved to rely on components of decentralized peer-to-peer filesharing, making them harder for system administrators and law enforcement to identify and take down. However, older bots that use centralized servers are still relatively easy to find and take down, especially when the herder operates in a country where it’s hard for law enforcement to intervene.

Fortunately, there are many strategies to prevent your device from becoming part of a botnet. For computer systems, this includes running anti-malware software regularly and applying patching updates to critical operating systems and applications. For IoT devices, strategies can include restoring a factory image or performing a hard reset.