Fighting malware and spam

Bots and botnets – risks, issues and prevention

Martin Overton IBM Global Services

Many corporate security staff have a rather vague understanding of bots and botnets – not just what they are but how they work. Furthermore, many have little understanding of the risks to their company or to their own home computer.

In many institutions and corporations bots and botnets are rife and causing significant damage to the infected network owner, due to loss of bandwidth, intellectual property and reputation; loss of credibility and brand damage.

This paper will explain what bots/botnets are and how they work. It will also discuss ways to combat them using methods that range from simple security methodologies through to technical solutions.