Description: A botnet is a collection of infected computers that can be remotely controlled to perform malicious tasks. These machines, often without the knowledge of their owners, are used to carry out various malicious activities, such as sending spam, conducting denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, and spreading malware. Botnets are particularly dangerous because they allow cybercriminals to execute large-scale operations, leveraging the combined power of thousands or even millions of devices. Key characteristics of a botnet include its ability to operate autonomously, difficulty in detection, and the possibility of being rented or sold on the black market. The relevance of botnets in the field of cybersecurity is significant, as they represent one of the most persistent and complex threats in today’s digital landscape. The fight against these networks involves the development of technological regulations, intrusion detection and prevention systems, as well as cybersecurity and intelligence strategies to mitigate their impact and protect users and organizations from their harmful effects.
History: Botnets began to emerge in the late 1990s, with the rise of viruses and malware. One of the first notable examples was the ‘Mafiaboy’ worm in 2000, which demonstrated the potential for DDoS attacks. Over the years, botnets have evolved, with incidents like ‘Storm Worm’ in 2007 and ‘Conficker’ in 2008, which infected millions of computers. In the 2010s, botnets became more sophisticated, using encryption techniques and peer-to-peer (P2P) networks to evade detection.
Uses: Botnets are primarily used to carry out DDoS attacks, where multiple devices send requests to a server to overload it. They are also employed for mass sending of spam emails, distributing malware, and stealing personal information. Additionally, some botnets are used for illegal cryptocurrency mining, leveraging the processing power of infected devices.
Examples: A famous example of a botnet is ‘Mirai’, which in 2016 compromised IoT devices to carry out a massive DDoS attack against the internet service provider Dyn. Another case is ‘Emotet’, which started as a banking Trojan and evolved into a malware distribution platform, infecting thousands of computers worldwide.
