How does a botnet facilitate large-scale cyber attacks?

A botnet orchestrates large-scale cyber attacks by infecting a large number of computers or devices with malicious software, turning them into bots that can be controlled remotely by a central command and control server. These bots are then used collectively to carry out distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, spam campaigns, data breaches, and other malicious activities.

Methods to detect and disrupt botnets include:

1. Network Monitoring: Monitoring network traffic patterns for unusual activities or communications with known botnet command and control servers.

2. Endpoint Security: Using antivirus and intrusion detection systems to identify and remove botnet malware from infected devices.

3. Behavioral Analysis: Analyzing the behavior of network traffic and systems to detect anomalies that may indicate botnet activity.

4. Botnet Detection Tools: Utilizing specialized tools designed to detect botnet activity and help in its disruption.

5. Sinkholing: Redirecting botnet traffic to a controlled server in order to disrupt its communication and operations.

6. Blackholing: Blocking traffic to and from known malicious domains and IP addresses associated with botnets.

7. Collaboration: Sharing threat intelligence and collaborating with industry partners, law enforcement, and security agencies to track and take down botnets.

These methods work together to detect, disrupt, and dismantle botnets, protecting networks and systems from large-scale cyber attacks.