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A botnet is a group of internet-connected devices infected with malicious code and remotely controlled as a group. If you suspect your computer is involved, warning signs such as slow performance or unexpected pop-ups are clues—not proof. Stop using it for sensitive logins, scan it with trusted security software, and protect your accounts from a device you believe is clean.
What is a botnet?
A botnet is a collection of compromised computers or other connected devices that an attacker controls across a network. Each infected device is a “bot”; the remotely directed group is the botnet. The operator may be called a bot herder or botmaster, and the infrastructure or mechanism used to send instructions is called command and control, or C2. The NICCS glossary defines a botnet as “A collection of computers compromised by malicious code and controlled across a network.” NICCS glossary
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Botnets are not limited to desktop and laptop computers. They can include phones and internet-connected devices such as security cameras. An infected device may be used without its owner’s knowledge.
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First, malicious code compromises a device. It then enables an attacker to communicate with or otherwise direct that device, often as part of a larger group. The attacker can issue tasks to many bots at once; the owner may notice little or nothing while the device is being used.
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Devices may be compromised through phishing links, malicious websites, deceptive instructions, or software and operating-system vulnerabilities. Some IoT devices can be infected without an end-user clicking anything. An infection therefore does not establish that the owner caused it by clicking a link. NSTAC report to the President
What are botnets used for?
- Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks: Many bots send traffic toward a target to overwhelm its services.
- Spam and phishing: Infected devices can distribute unsolicited messages or deceptive links.
- Fraud and information theft: Botnets may support click fraud or help collect and exfiltrate data.
- Running additional malware: A bot may download or execute other malicious tools.
Truebot is one example: a July 2023 joint advisory by CISA, the FBI, MS-ISAC, and the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security described it as being used to collect and exfiltrate information. CISA Truebot advisory
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Botnets can also have large-scale effects. CISA’s Emergency Services Sector Landscape, published in 2023, describes the October 2016 Mirai attack against a major DNS service provider: it generated 1.2 terabits per second of traffic and involved millions of compromised internet-connected security cameras. That is a historical example, not a statement of a current record. CISA Emergency Services Sector Landscape
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There is no single symptom that confirms botnet membership. Slowness or instability, browser redirects, unfamiliar add-ons, unexpected pop-ups, repeated operating-system errors, disabled system tools, or messages you did not send can indicate malware. They do not identify a botnet specifically, and they can have other causes. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) notes, “Even if you use security software, malware might go undetected, at least temporarily.” FTC consumer guidance
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A security scan can help investigate suspected malware, but a clean result is not a guarantee that every threat has been found. If the device belongs to an organization, or the signs involve multiple devices or business systems, contact the organization’s IT or security team rather than treating it as an individual cleanup task.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to remove a botnet infection safely
The FTC’s steps below are general malware guidance for consumers, not a forensic procedure for every computer, phone, router, camera, or malware family.
- Stop sensitive activity on the suspected device. Do not use it to sign in to banking, shopping, email, or other important accounts while you investigate.
- Update trusted security software and run a scan. Obtain updates and software from a source you already trust. Do not download a tool by clicking an advertisement, pop-up, or unsolicited security warning.
- Protect your accounts from a device you believe is clean. Change important account passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
- Get help from a trusted source if needed. Contact the device manufacturer or a technical-support provider you already know and trust. Be wary of unsolicited support offers, especially those that request remote access or payment.
These steps reduce risk, but they are not a promise that one scan will remove every threat. Device-specific recovery may require instructions from the manufacturer or help from a qualified support provider. FTC consumer guidance
How organizations can reduce botnet exposure
For organizations and operators of connected devices, CISA’s Internet Exposure Reduction Guidance recommends reducing unnecessary internet exposure and maintaining controls around assets that must remain accessible. CISA says, “Many organizations unknowingly leave common vulnerabilities and weaknesses exposed to the internet, making them easy targets for exploitation.” The guidance was published June 4, 2025. CISA Internet Exposure Reduction Guidance
- Inventory internet-accessible assets and restrict exposure that is not operationally necessary.
- Change default passwords and apply current security patches.
- Replace equipment that no longer receives security support.
- Monitor inbound and outbound network traffic.
- Review internet exposure routinely.
These are prevention and exposure-reduction measures; they do not establish that a compromised system has been cleaned. Suspected organizational compromise calls for the organization’s incident-response process.
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