Botnet A Growing Threat is a number of Internet-connected devices (also known as a
zombie army) used by a botnet owner a leader to perform various tasks. Botnets can be
used to perform Distributed Denial Of Service Attack, steal data, send spam, allow the
attacker access to the device and its connection. The owner can control the botnet using
command and control (C&C) software. The word botnet is a combination of the words
robot and network. The term is usually used with a negative or malicious connotation.
How Botnets Are Controlled?
Botnets can be controlled in several different ways. Some are basic and easier to foil,while others are trickier and harder to take down.
How Bots Work?
Bots sneak onto a person’s computer in many ways. Bots often spread themselves across
the Internet by searching for vulnerable, unprotected computers to infect. When they find
an exposed computer, they quickly infect the machine and then report back to their
master. Their goal is then to stay hidden until they are instructed to carry out a task.
After a computer is taken over by a bot, it can be used to carry out a variety of automated
tasks, including the following:
Sending They send:
- spam
- viruses
- spyware
Stealing They steal personal and private information and communicate it back to the malicious user:
- credit card numbers
- bank credentials
- other sensitive personal information
And Clickfraud Fraudsters use bots to boost Web advertising billings by automatically
clicking on Internet ads.
Protect Against Bots
To be safe against malicious bots, security experts offer the following advice:
-Install top-rated security software.
-Configure your software's settings to update automatically.
-Increase the security settings on your browser.
-Limit your user rights when online.
-Never click on attachments unless you can verify the source.
-Ensure that your system is patched with the most current Microsoft Windows Update.
-Set your computer’s security settings to update automatically, to
ensure you always have the most current system patches.
Botnets are simply organized groups of infected computers that criminals control for their
own purposes. And, when it comes to malware, their purpose is usually to make a profit.
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