IoT botnet refers to a network of IoT devices compromised by malware and remotely controlled by the hacker.
Examples of IoT botnet attacks
- In 2016, MalwareMustDie, a whitehat security research group, uncovered the Mirai malware, which was capable of turning devices into zombie-like bots. The affected parties included GitHub, Airbnb, Netflix, Reddit, Twitter, and security journalist Brian Krebs, among many other high-profile companies.
- The Mozi network infected about 1.5 million devices in 2019 alone. The botnet was responsible for a huge percentage of all IoT traffic in its heydays.
Preventing an IoT botnet attack
- Always update your device’s operating system and software
- Do not click on any links you don’t recognize.
- Install a reputable VPN to encrypt your internet traffic.
- Only use unique and complex passwords — and make them lengthy.
