In this context, botnets refer to malicious software robots.  These bots are installed on unsuspecting computers of individuals and businesses. The software is then controlled by a single command center called a "bot herder." This individual or individuals originate the bots and control them remotely.

The bots are installed using viruses such as worms, trojans and backdoors. What makes them so hard to detect is that the run based on industry standard RFC 1459 which is IRC.  This communication protocol is used by many well know client applications such as Trillian Messenger, mIRC and World of Warcraft. 

What makes this attacker even more effective is that recently the newer bots can host other bots. This type of host-beneficiary relationship is mostly implemented on education servers where the internet bandwidth will support this type of activity.

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Olan Butler - Technology Specialist - Computer Services