Hello,
This is a brief explanation of C and C servers. Why it is important to you and what you can do to protect others online and your own data. What is a C and C server? It is a Command and control server.
This particular server (Brain) is the one that can control up to millions of mindless computers (Zombies) and use them as a weapon. This weapon can attack websites, devices, routers, and commit other fraudulent activities.
TrendMicro describes these servers as, “A command-and-control [C&C] server is a computer-controlled by an attacker or cybercriminal which is used to send commands to systems compromised by malware and receive stolen data from a target network.”
“This is what we would call a DDOS attack and this is usually the army behind these attacks.”
These malware-infested computers might reside in a home or an office. Further, these machines are not always desktop computers. They could be routers and other Internet of things devices. Once these computers have become infected with malware then this allows the Command server to remote control and direct their activities. The owner would never know that their computer or router has become a pawn in a game against websites such as Netflix, Apple, Google, and others.
So imagine, one thousand innocent computers being told to send packets to a website such as Netflix. This is what we would call a DDOS attack and this is usually the army behind these attacks. Such attacks can cripple websites no matter how big or small!
“You are the first line of defense against Botnets, C/C servers, and other bad actors.”
Distributed denial-of-service or (DDoS) attacks are described as an attempt to disrupt the normal traffic of a webserver and overwhelm its resources to the point that it can crash or shut down. These are often referred to as a Layer 7 DDoS attack. However, this subject is beyond the scope of this post but I want you to have an idea about the damage a C and C server can create.
You ask, why is this info important to me? Simple. You are the first line of defense against Botnets, C/C servers, and other bad actors.
All you have to do is:
- Scan your computers often for malware and viruses
- Use Windows Update weekly
- Update the Firmware on your routers and IoT devices
By doing this you protect your own data and protect bigger actors in the world like Netflix.com.
It is important you update the firmware of your router as the firmware will contain code updates, security updates, and other instructions to streamline your device. This will also keep your device secure. Do you want a C and C server or hacker listening in to your private network within your home? No, of course not. This is just another reason for you to update your devices.
What are your thoughts?
-Jason
