What is a Botnet?
A Botnet is a network of Internet-connected computers, mobile devices, and IoT hardware that have been infected with malware that grants remote control to attackers. When grouped together, these hijacked devices (also known as zombies) act in unison to execute automated cyberattacks at scale. Cybercriminals use them to steal personal data, extort payments, mine cryptocurrency, and launch Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks against major sites and services.
A single hacker, or bot herder, controls the Botnet by sending instructions via a covert communication channel to each bot. This is called the command and control (C&C) channel, and it can be centralized or decentralized depending on the botnet’s structure. In centralized models, each infected device connects to a central server (known as the C&C server) that delivers commands to all bots. This model makes it easier for the herder to manage the botnet, but it also creates a single point of failure.
Decentralized botnets, on the other hand, operate using a peer-to-peer model where each bot acts as both a client and a server. Each bot communicates directly with other bots to relay commands. This type of botnet is more resilient to disruption, but it’s also harder for herders to track and dismantle.
Botnets can be created through phishing, software vulnerabilities, or even by exploiting default credentials on routers and IoT devices. It’s important to keep your operating system, apps, and firmware updated with the latest patches to avoid being compromised. You should also install a robust security solution that includes real-time protection, behavioral monitoring, and threat intelligence to detect and stop these threats.