Botnets – When Your Computer Ceases to be Yours

A botnet can be regarded as a virtual network of compromised computers where a remote user has access to each of the system that forms part of the infected group. Botnets get installed in PCs with the help of worms, viruses, or Trojans which grant a central remote source access to the malicious programs´ host.

A computer becomes a zombie after it has been infected by a botnet as it performs the instructions given by the remote computer without the user´s knowledge or permission. Botnet controllers usually take control of the infected computer through IRC (Internet Relay Chat) programs. However, better means and methods have been recently devised in order for controllers to seize a system with impunity.

Rotten to the Core

Botnets are primarily created to wreak havoc on computers. Here are some of its pernicious uses:

• Denial of service attacks.
  
  A botnet is commonly used for distributed denial of service or DDOS attacks. It prevents the user from utilizing his computer or accessing the network to which his system belongs. Botnets usually do this by using the network bandwidth of the user or jamming the processing resources of his unit. These attacks are used against competitors for commercial purposes.


• Spamming and traffic monitoring.
  
  A botnet uses TCP/IP SOCKS proxy protocol of infected computer for various networking activities. For example, it uses the infected PCs in the network to send huge amounts of spams.


• Packet sniffing.
  
  Botnets also act as packet sniffers wherein it locates and intercepts sensitive data exchanges involving the infected computers. These information often include usernames and passwords, which are used by botnet controllers for nefarious purposes.


• Identity theft.
  
  Botnets obtain sensitive personal information by posing as legitimate companies, groups, or persons that seem to have a genuine or valid need for those data.


• Pay per click systems .
  
  Botnets can be used to automate clicks and gain financially on a pay-per-click system. This is achieved by instructing the infected computer to click automatically on the specified site whenever the browser is activated.

Is My System Infected?

It´s not that difficult to determine if your computer has been the subject of a successful botnet attack. However, the symptoms are sometimes inconclusive as they can also be caused or related to other problems.

Generally, system performance drops if a botnet has infiltrated it. Strange messages also usually appear without any warning on the screen. You will also notice that your unit sometimes functions erratically.

Botnet Shield

There are ways by which you could prevent your PC from being mummified by botnets. Many of these measures might already be familiar to you since they are also used or observed in fighting viruses and spyware. Here are a few tips on how to deflect a botnet attack:

• Use a good firewall to prevent the entry of unwanted and suspicious files, data, or instructions in your system.


• Conduct a regular antivirus scan on your PC. Make sure that the program’s virus or malicious software list is always updated. This would ensure that your system is protected even from destructive applications that were made after the release of the antivirus.


• Make sure that your operating system is regularly updated with the patches that its maker issues over the Internet. There might be other software in your computer, too, which needs updating. Patches prevent botnets from exploiting loopholes in your system.


• Employ or install a security tool which prevents malicious software from entering your PC. The program should also offer system monitoring, as well as be able to prompt the user against any suspicious activity happening inside his unit.


• Restrict all outbound traffic on port 25 to prevent malware threats, including bot intrusions.


• Avoid taking part in file-sharing networks, such as Kazaa and limewire.

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