How to protect your network devices and personal information? Learn what is botnet SWG.
What Is Botnet SWG?
A botnet (short for robot network) is several Internet-connected computers controlled as a group without the owners’ knowledge. Botnets can be rented in several ways. Some of the most common are: paying for access to the infected computers and paying for increased control over the bots.
It includes paying for access to the command-and-control server or using them to mine bitcoins. Botnets can be built with several different goals in mind. They may steal data such as credit card details (see Zeus), spread spam e-mail, engage in click fraud, or act as a distributed denial-of-service attack tool.
They are commonly used to launch attacks by occupants of hacker forums. A botnet is typically controlled by one or more bot herders. Herders operate large networks of compromised machines that they rent out to criminals.
Bot Herders
Herders can make money off their bots in several ways. Some bot herders have been known to blackmail website owners in exchange for protection from DDoS attacks and other cyberattacks. Many have also used their bots to carry out large-scale spam email campaigns and cyberattacks.
This is when they then charge money to remove from infected computers. This is commonly done through a particular type of malware called ransomware or scareware. Ransomware is a kind of malicious software (malware) that blocks access to a computer system until a sum of money is paid.
Usually, perpetrators demand the victim pay the ransom through untraceable means, like bitcoin or pre-paid voucher services. The perpetrator can be an individual or a group. In most cases, the ransom is demanded in return for access to the computer system.
But it can also be demanded in exchange for not publishing stolen information or not sabotaging a company’s network. The FBI has been warning businesses about the rise of ransomware attacks. According to an FBI bulletin, ransomware attacks are on the rise and are expected to continue growing in frequency and severity over the next year.
While some ransomware attacks occur randomly and without a target, many are targeted at specific companies. Also, hackers use malware to break into systems and then deploy ransomware as part of a coordinated attack. So, this is against an organization they wish to extort money from.
Botnet a National Securit
Most of these attacks have occurred on companies that failed to keep their operating systems up-to-date with the latest security features. Also, the National Security Agency (NSA) has warned that if Microsoft fails to fix known vulnerabilities in its software. So, it creates a huge opportunity for hackers and cybercriminals to exploit them for destructive purposes.
A botnet can also be rented out for profit by criminals who use it for illegal activities such as financial fraud or identity theft. So, Bot herders rent out access to infected computers through online forums or directly through their control panel interface where they manage their bots. Fees range from $100 per month up to $2,000 per month depending on what level of control you want over your bots.
This includes how many bots you rent at a time. It’s common for bot herders to create their custom botnet software. Thus, they can collect certain types of data from infected computers or wipe data from compromised machines remotely.