Introduction
What happens once your devices are taken over by cybercriminals?
Whether they initially break in via malware, phishing, or some other kind of attack, cybercriminals can then take complete control of your device. In some cases, they recruit your devices into a botnet.
What is this cyber-threat, and how can you keep your systems safe from becoming part of a botnet attack?
What are Botnets and How Do They Work?
Once your device is infected, cybercriminals “recruit” it into their army of remote-controlled devices. These are other phones and computers just like yours, turned into digital zombies for the threat actor’s malicious purposes.
Botnets use your devices to target websites with DDOS attacks, which inundate their servers with traffic until the site crashes. Other botnets may turn your email into a spam machine, sending weird messages to your contacts about “cheap deals” that you didn’t write. Since they have contro love your system, the perpetrator could also steal your personal information, including login details or bank account numbers. Botnets can even use your device’s power for crypto-mining, which works exactly how it sounds. Using your devices to mine cryptocurrency severely slows down your system…and hikes up your electric bill.
What does this look like on your devices? It could mean a sluggish phone or computer, unexpected charges on your next bill, and even a hacked account and stolen information. Nobody wants their smart TV emailing scams or mining Bitcoin behind their back!
How to Spot Botnets on Your Device
Your gadgets won’t start groaning like zombies, but there are clues they might be infected. Look out for…
- Your phone or computer starts moving far slower than usual, even when it isn’t doing any strenuous activity.
- The internet acts odd, showing random pop-ups or using unusual amounts of CPU and data.
- Your device runs physically hot and the fan audibly overworks.
- The system keeps crashing randomly.
- Contacts may reach out to you, saying they got spam from your email or noticed you’ve been making bizarre posts on social media.
Botnets sound scary, but the faster you recognize that something has gone wrong with your device, the quicker you can jump into action.
Protecting Your Devices with Cyber Hygiene
Cyber hygiene is effectively the everyday practices that keep your devices more cyber-secure in the long run. Integrating a few smart habits into your regular routines will help keep your devices safe from botnets and many other threats that come their way.
Keep your systems more secure with these simple tips:
- Update your phone, computer, and apps regularly.
- Use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts and Wi-Fi.
- Set up multi-factor authentication whenever possible.
- Change the default credentials on your WiFi and devices. These are much easier to hack than personalized log-in information.
- If your trusted antivirus program says to avoid something dangerous, then listen.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloads. Watch out for phishing attempts in general.
With these suggestions in mind, your devices will have a better chance against botnet induction.
Recent Charges Against a State-Sponsored Botnet Group
In late May 2025, the United States Department of Justice charged 16 people in an allegedly Russia-affiliated botnet group called DanaBot. The charges claim that they have compromised at least 300K devices around the world.
Because the group seems to be state-sponsored, the incident has raised serious concerns about the increasing overlap between cybercrime and geopolitical conflict. How can these tensions spill over and affect our online worlds? The consequences can be tremendous.
DanaBot also represents the rising threat of nation-state cyberattacks. Many consider incidents like these a sign of our urgent need for international cooperation on cybersecurity and stronger defenses against sophisticated, government-backed hacking operations.
Conclusion
Botnets can cause a lot of problems, both for the victims of a botnet attack, and the innocent devices pulled into the cybercriminal’s army. On the brighter side, knowing the signs of an infected system and learning what steps can reduce your risk, will help keep your devices safer every day. If something unfortunate does occur, these preemptive steps you’ve taken will help you jump into action and reduce the overall damage.
In a world where we and our devices are constantly connected, staying vigilant is more important than ever. By understanding how botnets work, recognizing the warning signs, and taking preventive steps, you’re not just protecting your own devices. You also help to build a safer digital environment for everyone.
Stay informed, stay secure, and don’t let your technology become a tool for cybercrime!
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