Also Known As:
Web agents, Web crawlers, Spiders.
Description:
Software robots called “bots” are programs designed to perform
an extensive range of automated tasks. For example, Internet search engines
routinely use bots to gather Web-page information and computer games use
bots as opponents for human players. Hackers now use bot programs to coordinate
groups of personal computers infected by malicious software (see Zombie Drones)
for spamming, denial-of-service attacks on Web sites, theft, and fraud. These
hacker-controlled networks are called botnets.
How to Recognize This Threat:
If your personal computer becomes increasingly sluggish it may have been
co-opted through malicious software, Malware, into a botnet.
What Should I Do:
If you believe your personal computer has been co-opted into a botnet, have
it checked by computer services organization. After the PC has been swept
clean of possible viruses, worms, Trojan
Horses, Spyware, and other Malware,
install anti-virus and anti-Spyware software, as well as a firewall. Use
a Spam filter. Be wary of opening email attachments, stick to mainstream
Web sites, and be exceptionally careful about what you download from the
Internet.
