Botnet malware: What it is and how to fight it

Malware or malicious computer code has been around in some form or other for over 40 years, but the use of malware to take control of a group of computers that are then organized into something called a botnet is more a twenty-first century phenomenon. Botnets have been responsible for some of the most costly security incidents experienced during the last 10 years, so a lot of effort goes into defeating botnet malware and, when possible, shutting botnets down.

Recently, I had a chance to interview someone who spends a lot of time battling botnets: ESET Security Intelligence Program Manager, Pierre-Marc Bureau. I asked him to explain what botnets are, the threats they pose, and how to defend against botnet malware.

Botnet malware: What it is and how to fight it