What is a Botnet?

A botnet is a network of hijacked computer devices used to carry out cyberattacks such a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) and Telephony Denial of Service (TDoS) attacks or other nefarious activities.

What is a DDoS attack?

A DDoS attack overwhelms servers with a high level of internet traffic originating from many different sources, making it impossible to mitigate at a single source.

The availability of DDoS-for-hire services provides opportunities for any motivated malicious cyber actor to conduct disruptive attacks regardless of experience level.

Tips to prepare for a DDoS attack

Consider enrolling in a denial-of-service mitigation service that detects abnormal traffic flows and redirects traffic away from your network.

Create a partnership with your local internet service provider (ISP) prior to an event and work with your ISP to control network traffic attacking your network during an event.

Maintain continuity plans, which is the practice of executing essential functions through emergencies (e.g., cyberattacks) to minimize service interruptions. Without planning, provision, and implementation of continuity principles, organizations may be unable to continue operations. Evaluating continuity and capability will help identify potential operational gaps. Through identifying and addressing these gaps, organizations can establish a viable continuity program that will help keep them functioning during cyberattacks or other emergencies.

Secure your backups. Make sure they are not connected to the computers and networks they are backing up.

Review or establish patching plans, security policies, user agreements, and business continuity plans to ensure they address current threats posed by cyber actors.

If you paid a scammer with a credit or debit card, you may be able to stop the transaction. Contact your credit card company or bank right away. Tell them what happened and ask for a “chargeback” to reverse the charges.

If you paid a scammer using a money transfer app, contact the company behind the app. If the app is linked to a credit card or debit card, contact your credit card company or bank first.