A network of infected devices that can be controlled remotely to perform automated tasks, often malicious.
Description
Botnets are collections of devices, often referred to as 'bots' or 'zombies', that have been infected with malicious software, allowing a central operator to control them without the owners' knowledge. In the context of Non-Human Identity Management, botnets represent a significant challenge as they can impersonate legitimate users and execute automated tasks that can disrupt services or steal sensitive information. These networks can vary in size, from a few compromised devices to millions of interconnected systems, and are often used for various cybercriminal activities, including distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, spamming, and data theft. The management of identities associated with botnets is complicated, as they can easily mimic human behaviors and evade traditional security measures. The rise of IoT devices has further amplified the botnet threat, as many of these devices lack adequate security protections, making them easy targets for attackers looking to expand their botnet capabilities.
Examples
- Mirai Botnet: A famous botnet that exploited IoT devices to launch large-scale DDoS attacks.
- Emotet: Originally a banking Trojan, it evolved into a botnet that disseminated malware and ransomware.
Additional Information
- Botnets can be rented out on the dark web, with cybercriminals offering their services for various malicious activities.
- Effective mitigation strategies include maintaining updated software, employing network monitoring tools, and implementing strong authentication measures.