A botnet, short for “robot network,” is a network of compromised computers, often referred to as “bots” or “zombies,” that are under the control of a single entity, the . These compromised computers are typically infected with software, known as malware, which allows the botmaster to control them remotely. Botnets are frequently used to launch DDoS attacks, overwhelming a target’s servers or network infrastructure with a flood of , rendering it unavailable to users. In a botnet-powered DDoS attack, a network of compromised computers floods a target with overwhelming to disrupt its services.
Botnets use compromised computers to send out large volumes of emails. The botmaster controls these infected computers, issuing commands for email content and distribution. Spam emails often contain phishing attempts or and techniques like email spoofing make it challenging to filter out malicious emails. Additionally, botnets infect computers and use techniques like to steal usernames and passwords. Stolen credentials are sent to a central server, where they may be sold or used for unauthorized access and financial gain.
Botnets, controlled by a central entity, use infected computers to generate automated on online advertisements, a practice known as click fraud. This fraudulent activity aims to inflate ad revenue at the expense of advertisers who pay for clicks that lack genuine interest. Moreover, botnets are also used to provide proxy services, allowing malicious actors to anonymize their online activities. In this context, compromised computers within the botnet act as , relaying internet traffic on behalf of the user. The decentralized and distributed nature of botnets makes it challenging to and block these proxy services effectively.
