Does your computer send spam behind your back?
A botnet is a network of computers that are under the control of a botherder who uses the computer to send spam, or maybe other things such as viruses. And the computer’s owner doesn’t know anything about it. According to the NZ Herald:
Top botnet is now Srizbi, which is distributing a massive 39 per cent of spam using what Anstis describes as “advanced and extremely stealthy malware”.
People whose computers get infected by malware — viruses and the like — may find that someone else is running software on their computer that sends out reams of spam. All they will know is that maybe their computer’s a bit slower than it should be, or takes longer to start up than they’d expect. If they were to update their anti-virus and anti-malware software they should find the malware that’s the problem.
Security experts have identified six botnets - networks of computers, controlled without their owners’ knowledge - responsible for most spam.
A handful of botnets are responsible for 85 per cent of spam, according to web security experts.Marshal’s TRACE team, which monitors spam, phishing and virus activity around the world, has identified the six botnets that it says are sending the bulk of spam.
Botnets are virtual networks of private computers that are secretly controlled and used to distribute malware or viruses to other machines. Owners of such infected machines are almost never aware their computers are being used maliciously.
If your computer runs Microsoft Windows then it’s imperative that you keep it scrupulously updated with the official Microsoft updates and with quality anti-virus and anti-malware software.
Talk to your IT support people if you have any questions about the best software to use, or what to do if you suspect your computer of being infected.
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March 6, 2008 No Comments
