// THREAT DETECTION AND DATA PRIVACY TERM
Botnet
A botnet is a network of internet-connected devices, such as computers or IoT devices, that have been infected with malware and are controlled by a single attacker without the owners' knowledge. These compromised devices are often called "bots" or "zombies."
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A botnet, derived from "robot network," is a distributed system comprising numerous internet-connected devices (e.g., computers, IoT) covertly infected with malware and centrally controlled by a single threat actor, known as a "bot-herder," to perform coordinated malicious activities like Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, spam distribution, or data exfiltration.
BACKGROUND
Computer security is a subdiscipline within the field of information security. It focuses on protecting computer software, systems, and networks from threats that can lead to unauthorized information disclosure, theft, or damage to hardware, software, or data, as well as to the disruption or misdirection of the services they provide.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Bot network
- Zombie network
- Robot network
- Compromised device network
USAGE NOTE
Botnets are frequently leveraged by cybercriminals for large-scale operations such as DDoS attacks, credential stuffing, sending spam, and cryptomining.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Botnet.
Develops advanced security platforms, including next-generation firewalls and cloud security, that detect and prevent botnet command-and-control communications and associated malware activity through threat intelligence from Unit 42.
Offers endpoint and cloud workload protection, threat intelligence, and incident response services that leverage AI to detect, prevent, and respond to botnet infections and activities.
Provides a comprehensive security fabric, including firewalls, intrusion prevention, and threat intelligence (FortiGuard Labs), which actively monitors and blocks botnet traffic and C2 servers.
Specializes in cloud security and content delivery network services, offering solutions for DDoS mitigation, bot management, and web application security that protect against attacks originating from botnets.
A leading threat intelligence organization that researches, analyzes, and provides protection against emerging threats, including the discovery and mitigation of various botnets and their infrastructure.
An operational unit within Microsoft that partners with law enforcement and industry to disrupt major cybercrime operations, including highly publicized takedowns of large-scale botnets.
Provides a threat intelligence platform that collects and analyzes vast amounts of data from the open, deep, and dark web to provide insights into botnet activities, infrastructure, and associated malware.
Offers incident response, threat intelligence, and security validation services, frequently involved in investigating and providing expertise on complex botnet operations during breaches and cyberattacks.