Unwitting users can assist computer 'bot' attacks

What can you do if a hacker uses a

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Story Published: Feb 7, 2008 at 11:51 AM PDT

By Angelica Thornton and Web Staff

UNDATED - A bot attack is one of the most sophisticated types of cyber crime and is often the hardest to detect. The scariest part is that you may never even know that someone has hijacked your computer.

What Is A Bot Attack?

keyboard with flatscreen monitorA bot attack is where a hacker takes control of your computer and uses it to spread viruses, spam and even commit online fraud.  Infected computers are usually controlled by one person, who is referred to as a bot herder.

"People have heard of viruses and Trojan horses, well essentially that's what a botnet is, just on a reduced basis," said Agent Dan Nielsen with the FBI's Cyber Crime Unit.  "What they are designed to do is go out and infect thousands of computers at a time."

The problem is so big that the FBI launched 'Operation Bot Roast' last year.

Who Is A Target?

mouse graphicIf you have an Internet connection, you are a potential target. 

By some estimates, one in four computers are infected.

You can get a bot the same way you get any virus - by going to a Web site that has been infected, clicking on a malicious link or e-mail or downloading software.

How Can You Tell If You've Been Hacked?

It is hard to know if your computer has been compromised, but there are a few signs to watch out for:

  • Your computer and Internet connection run slower than usual.
  • Programs that used to run on your computer are no longer able to run.
  • Your hard drive is working even when you're not using your computer.
  • Any other strange activity may be a sign that you've been attacked.

How Do You Protect Yourself?

  • If you have virus scan software, keep it updated and if you don't have virus scan software, get it.
  • Never open an e-mail attachment unless you know what it is, even if it came from someone you know and trust.
  • Never visit untrusted Web sites.
  • Don't use free file sharing programs, like the ones that share music.

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