The risk of a bot attack is a real possibility when most systems have become interconnected. Effective security systems must be in place to prevent such an attack. A computer which has been infected by a hacker with malware becomes a bot or zombie. The hacker can then control that device remotely and launch attacks on other computers of the organization. Once infected, all such bots work in a group and launch coordinated attacks on other computers.

1. Risks of a BOT Attack - Bahaa Abdul Zubaidi
The risk of a bot attack is a real possibility when most systems have become
interconnected. Effective security systems must be in place to prevent such an attack. A
computer which has been infected by a hacker with malware becomes a bot or zombie.
The hacker can then control that device remotely and launch attacks on other
computers of the organization. Once infected, all such bots work in a group and launch
coordinated attacks on other computers.
The Attack Process
In this process, a malicious software developed by a hacker is executed in the infected
devices. This software enters like a trojan horse through a link used in a spam email or
other digital content. The malware gets access due to an existing vulnerability in the
system. The infection happens because the system is not secured against that
malicious software. This attack is launched in three steps:
Finding Vulnerable Systems
In the first step, the malware looks for a vulnerable system that can be infected. It looks
for a vulnerable system or website that is not secure against it. The software looks for
weaknesses in the system or an unwitting system user to inject its infection.
Infection Process
Once the malware has found a target, it initiates the process of its installation. It lures or
deceives the user into downloading and installing it, or simply enters an unsecured
system. Spam and phishing methods are some of the ways these programs infect
systems and launch their malicious program. The malware often comes in the form of a
link placed in a phishing email or on a compromised website.
Initiate the Attack
Once the systems of a large network have been infected, the malware creates a network
of botnets that can launch coordinated attacks against other computer systems and
websites. All types of digital systems including computers, smartphones, IoT devices
and others can be infected and controlled by a botnet.
Security Risks

2. Botnets create different security risks for systems and organizations affected by it. Data
theft is a major security risk of a botnet attack. The hacker can use this technique to
steal financial data, trade secrets and customer information. The stolen data allows the
hacker to commit fraud or simply sell the data in the underground market. The affected
company can suffer financial loss and reputation damage. The botnet can corrupt or
delete files.
When the data is corrupted, lost or stolen, it creates many problems for the affected
organization. The company can face legal problems when it is unable to provide
services as promised. Its customers and clients can switch to other competitors. It is
expensive to fix all these problems. The losses can be extensive if the data cannot be
recovered. A company must educate its employees and users about phishing and spam
attacks. It should use security solutions to eliminate the risk of botnets and prevent
data loss.
Bahaa Abdul Zubaidi