What is a Botnet and How Does it Work?
A botnet is a collection of computers, mobile devices and Internet of Things (IoT) gadgets that have been infected with malware. Hackers use botnets to exploit vulnerabilities without the victims’ knowledge. The bots then work together to carry out cyber attacks, like DDoS or spam.
Once a hacker has infected a significant number of devices, he or she can control them remotely. This is known as command and control. The hacker, also called a bot herder, communicates with the botnet network via covert channels and sends automated commands to each of the infected machines. Each of these compromised machines, or zombies, are then programmed to take a variety of actions including data theft, spam and further malware distribution.
Cybercriminals typically use botnets to steal personal data, which they can then sell on the black market. They can also take down a website or wreak havoc with email systems and IoT gadgets.
The bots’ sheer numbers make them one of the most pernicious threats to businesses and consumers. To protect against this attack type, businesses can implement cybersecurity solutions and train their employees on best practices for avoiding phishing emails, software vulnerabilities and default credentials on routers and IoT gadgets.
The hackers behind botnets usually have a motive for building them, such as to profit from stealing data or sabotage websites and services by taking them offline. As such, these attacks pose a risk to businesses of all sizes and industries, from financial institutions and retail to healthcare and technology.