Botnets represent a potent threat to cybersecurity worldwide. From launching large-scale cyber attacks to facilitating criminal activities like data theft and fraud, they are the clandestine tools of choice for cybercriminals. In this article, we delve into the details, exploring their mechanisms, purposes, and the measures taken to combat them.
What are Botnets?
Botnets represent a network of internet-connected devices infected with malicious software, often referred to as “bots” or “zombies.” These devices, which can include computers, servers, smartphones, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, are compromised without the users’ knowledge, allowing remote control by a central command-and-control (C&C) server.