What is a Malware Command and Control Server – Guide
A command and control (C&C) server is a computer that issues instructions to digital devices that have been infected with rootkits or other types of malware such as ransomware. C&C servers can be used to create powerful networks of infected devices capable of executing distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, stealing data, wiping data, or encrypting data to execute an extortion scheme. In the past, a C&C server was often under the physical control of an attacker and could remain active for several years. Today, C&C servers generally have a short lifespan; They often reside on legitimate cloud services and use automated domain generation algorithms (DGAs) to make it harder for law enforcement officers and white hat malware hunters to find. A malicious network under the control of a C&C server is called a botnet, and the network nodes that belong to the botnet are sometimes called zombies. In a traditional botnet, bots are infected with a Trojan horse and use Internet Relay Chat (IRC) to communicate with a central C&C server. These botnets were commonly used to spread spam or malware and collect misused information such as credit card numbers.
All command and control servers are malicious
All command and control servers serve as command centers for threat actors that allow you to control multiple devices on a target network. A command and control server can help hackers:
Steal confidential data
One of the main purposes of using a command and control server is to steal highly sensitive data such as financial credentials. The server acts as storage for stolen files and logs which are later sent to a remote location still under the attackers’ control.
turn off a network
Attackers can also cripple a target organization with the help of command and control servers. They do this by shutting down machines that disrupt all company operations.
restart systems
Hackers can also choose to repeatedly reboot malware-infected systems, which can disrupt a company’s operations, through a command and control server.
Initiate a distributed denial of service attack
All distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks use a command and control server. The server issues a command to all machines under its control to flood a target network with internet traffic, overloading a website and making it inaccessible.
What is a command and control server in a botnet for?
A command and control server controls all computers infected with its malware component, turning them into bots and the entire infrastructure into a botnet. Any poorly secured device can be turned into a bot by:
Final note
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