Description: Botnet analysis refers to the study of networks of compromised devices that are remotely controlled by an attacker. These networks, known as botnets, consist of infected devices, which can include computers, servers, and increasingly, Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The goal of the analysis is to understand the structure, behavior, and tactics used by attackers to manage these networks. Through analytical techniques, researchers can identify traffic patterns, communication methods between bots, and the commands they receive from the controller. This knowledge is crucial for developing effective defense strategies and mitigating the impact of attacks. The growing interconnection of devices in the IoT space has expanded the reach and complexity of botnets, making their analysis even more relevant in the current cybersecurity landscape. A botnet’s ability to carry out distributed attacks, such as DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service), underscores the need for in-depth analysis to protect both individual devices and the networks in which they operate.
History: The concept of botnets began to take shape in the late 1990s when the first computer worms started to infect computers and allow remote control. However, it was in the 2000s that botnets became a significant threat, with the rise of malware such as ‘Spybot’ and ‘Sasser’. As technology advanced, botnets evolved to include mobile devices and, more recently, IoT devices, leading to an increase in their complexity and the scale of attacks.
Uses: Botnets are primarily used to carry out DDoS attacks, where multiple devices send traffic to a specific target to overwhelm its resources. They are also employed for mass spam sending, malware distribution, and personal information theft. In the context of IoT, botnets can exploit the vulnerabilities of connected devices to create even larger and harder-to-detect networks.
Examples: A notable example of a botnet is Mirai, which became famous in 2016 for carrying out a massive DDoS attack using IoT devices such as security cameras and routers. Another case is the Emotet botnet, which started as a banking Trojan and evolved into a malware distribution platform, affecting thousands of organizations worldwide.
