Description: A ‘Zombie’ in the context of technology refers to a computer that has been compromised by a hacker and can be used to perform malicious tasks. These computers, often part of a larger network known as a ‘botnet’, are remotely controlled without the owner’s knowledge. Zombies can be used to carry out a variety of malicious activities, including denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, sending spam, stealing personal information, and distributing malware. The nature of a zombie lies in its ability to operate autonomously, executing commands sent to it by an attacker. This makes them valuable tools for cybercriminals, who can leverage their processing power and connectivity to carry out illegal actions without needing to be physically present at the compromised device. Detecting and removing zombies is a constant challenge for security professionals, who must implement effective measures to protect networks and systems from these attacks.
History: The term ‘zombie’ in the realm of computing began to gain popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, coinciding with the rise of malware attacks and the proliferation of botnets. One of the first documented examples of zombie computers is related to the ‘Mafiaboy’ worm, which in 2000 was responsible for a DDoS attack on eBay’s website. As technology advanced, so did hackers’ techniques, leading to an increase in the creation of networks of zombie computers to carry out more sophisticated and coordinated attacks.
Uses: Zombies are primarily used in denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, where multiple compromised computers send simultaneous requests to a server, overwhelming it and causing it to crash. They are also used for mass sending of spam emails, distributing malware, and stealing personal data. Additionally, hackers can rent out networks of zombies to other cybercriminals, creating a black market for these services.
Examples: A notable example of a zombie botnet is ‘Mirai’, which became famous in 2016 for carrying out one of the largest DDoS attacks in history, affecting services like Dyn. Another case is ‘Zeus’, malware that infected millions of computers and was used to steal banking information. These examples illustrate how zombies can be used to carry out massive and harmful attacks.
