BotNet News

Malware is any software that is designed to infect, steal, or disrupt computers, computer systems, networks, tablets, and mobile devices. It can take control of a device to steal data, launch attacks against other computers or network servers, or encrypt business critical data for ransom.

While a complete list of malware types would be impossibly long, some common examples include spyware, which collects information about what the user does on their device and sends it to the attacker; keyloggers, which record every keystroke made on the keyboard; botnets, which connect a victim’s device to an attack server and control them remotely; and rootkits, which give the attacker administrator privileges on an infected system. In recent years, ransomware and cryptojacking have become particularly dangerous and pernicious.

You notice a sudden spike in Internet activity on your device. This is a sign that a Trojan has been communicating back and forth to an attacker’s command and control server to download additional malware or other threats. You also might see a decrease in the speed of your operating system or applications, or find that the device’s fan is constantly whirring. This is an indication that your device has been roped into a botnet, which uses enslaved computers to launch DDoS attacks, send spam, or mine cryptocurrency.

A good way to prevent an infection is to use anti-malware programs that scan files, email attachments, and network connections for malicious code. Regularly updating these programs is important, as malware constantly changes and evolves to stay ahead of security improvements. Another useful tool is a threat intelligence platform, which provides analytics about new and existing vulnerabilities, enabling organizations to protect their devices, data, and users from cyberattacks.