What are botnets and how can you protect yourself against them?

Most people don’t realise it, but computers, phones and even smart devices can be secretly taken over by malicious actors. Once infected, a device becomes part of a botnet – a network that’s remotely controlled and used for all sorts of criminal activities. In this blog, you’ll learn what a botnet is, how it works, and what you can do to protect yourself from infection.

What is a botnet?

A botnet is a network of computers, phones or other devices infected with malicious software, usually without the owner noticing. Once a device is infected, it can be remotely controlled by criminals. These criminals use the infected devices to automatically carry out commands – like robots doing exactly what they’re told.

The word “botnet” comes from ‘robot’ and ‘network’: a group of devices performing automated tasks. Think of sending out massive amounts of spam, harvesting passwords, or launching DDoS attacks. In a DDoS attack, thousands of infected devices send so much traffic to a website that it crashes – as if thousands of people tried to rush into a shop at once.

Because a botnet can consist of thousands or even millions of devices around the world, the damage they can cause is significant – all while most owners don’t suspect a thing.

How does a botnet work?

Cybercriminals spread malicious software (malware) through fake emails, dodgy downloads or infected websites. Once the malware lands on a computer or device, it can become part of a botnet. Most users won’t notice anything unusual: the device still works normally, but in the background, it’s carrying out tasks ordered by the botnet controller (also known as a ‘botmaster’).

What are botnets used for?

Botnets are commonly used for:

• DDoS attacks: overwhelming websites or servers with traffic, making them temporarily unreachable.
• Spreading spam and phishing: sending large volumes of deceptive emails.
• Data theft: such as login details, banking info or personal files.
• Cryptojacking: secretly using your computer to mine cryptocurrency.

How do you recognise an infected device?

It can be hard to tell if your device is part of a botnet, but watch out for these signs:

• Your device suddenly runs much slower than usual.
• Your internet traffic spikes for no obvious reason.
• You receive alerts about suspicious login attempts.
• Your antivirus software shows a warning.

How can you protect yourself against botnets?

Luckily, there’s a lot you can do to keep your devices safe. Here are a few practical tips:

1. Use trustworthy antivirus software
Good antivirus software can detect and block botnet malware before it does any damage. Choose a solution that’s regularly updated and protects against both known and new threats.

2. Install updates
Always keep your operating system, apps and browsers up to date. Security patches fix known vulnerabilities that could otherwise be exploited.

3. Don’t click random links or attachments
Be cautious with emails from unknown senders. Always check the email address and never click on suspicious links or attachments.

4. Use strong, unique passwords
Protect your accounts by using a strong and unique password for each one. A password manager can help with this.

5. Secure your network
Make sure your Wi-Fi network is protected with a strong password. It’s also wise to update your router regularly and change default settings.

6. Regularly check for unwanted software
Let your security software run full scans now and then. That way, hidden threats can be uncovered early.

Conclusion

Botnets are a serious threat, but with the right precautions you can avoid a lot of trouble. Make sure your security is up to scratch, stay alert to anything suspicious and keep your software updated.

Not sure which antivirus is right for you? At 2GO Software you’ll get honest, independent advice from real experts. Feel free to get in touch with our customer service if you’ve got any questions or need advice.