A bot (AKA a drone) is an infected computer or device that has become one part of a botnet. Botnets are networks of computers or devices that are connected and controlled remotely by a hacker to carry out malicious tasks as a group. These bots can be used in many kinds of computer attacks.
FAQs about Bots
What’s a bot?
What happens if my computer or device is infected as a bot?
If your device is infected as a bot, the hacker controlling the botnet can:
- Use your device to participate in an internet service attack.
- Disrupt your access to the internet.
- Send out spam from your device.
- Replace banner ads in your web browser specifically targeting you.
- Generate pop-up ads designed to get you to pay for the removal of the botnet through a phony anti-spyware service.
- In certain situations, allow hackers to steal your credentials like passwords and other sensitive information like banking and credit card information.
How do I avoid my computer or device becoming infected or compromised by malware that could potentially turn it into a bot?
Here are ways you can prevent or treat your computer or device becoming a bot:
- Perform a thorough virus and malware scan on your device using downloadable applications like the Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool.
- If you have anti-virus software installed, make sure you’re always updated with the latest version.
- If you’ve completed the above but your device is still acting strangely, bring it to a third-party computer repair technician to solve the problem.