What is a Botnet and How Does It Work? | JKSSB Mock Test
What is a Botnet and How Does It Work?
A botnet is a network of infected computers or devices controlled remotely by a hacker, also known as a botmaster. Each infected device is called a bot or zombie. Botnets are often used for cybercrimes like DDoS attacks, spam campaigns, and credential theft.
How Botnets Work
- A hacker infects devices using malware, phishing emails, or malicious downloads.
- Once infected, the device secretly connects to a Command & Control (C&C) server.
- The hacker sends commands to all bots at once.
- Bots carry out attacks without the owner’s knowledge.
Why Botnets Are Dangerous
| Threat | Impact |
|---|---|
| DDoS Attacks | Overloads websites, making them crash |
| Spam & Phishing | Sends massive amounts of scam emails |
| Credential Theft | Steals usernames and passwords |
| Cryptojacking | Uses your device to mine cryptocurrency |
| Data Breaches | Leaks personal and financial information |
Types of Botnets
- Centralized Botnets → All bots controlled by one C&C server.
- P2P Botnets → Each bot talks to other bots, harder to shut down.
- Mobile Botnets → Infect smartphones to steal banking and SMS data.
- IoT Botnets → Exploits smart devices (CCTV, routers, smart TVs).
Real-Life Example
The Mirai Botnet (2016) infected thousands of IoT devices and launched one of the largest DDoS attacks in history, disrupting Twitter, Netflix, and Amazon Web Services.
How to Protect Yourself
- Use Antivirus & Anti-Malware → Prevent infections.
- Update Devices Regularly → Patch security vulnerabilities.
- Change Default Passwords → Especially for IoT devices.
- Enable Firewalls → Block suspicious traffic.
- Monitor Network Traffic → Spot unusual activity.
Future Trends in Botnet Attacks
- Rise of IoT-based botnets
- Use of AI-powered botnets for smarter attacks
- Targeting of cloud services
- Harder-to-detect P2P botnets
Final Summary
- Botnet = A group of infected devices controlled by hackers.
- Used for DDoS, spam, credential theft, cryptojacking.
- Protect yourself by updating software, using strong passwords, and monitoring devices.
FAQs
- Can my phone be part of a botnet?
✅ Yes, mobile botnets infect Android/iOS devices. - How do I know if my device is infected?
⚠️ Slow performance, high network usage, unknown processes running. - Can botnets be stopped?
🔒 Yes, by shutting down C&C servers, though P2P botnets are harder to eliminate.
