I'm part of a botnet - find out how!

Many users legitimately ask: Am I part of a botnet? In Germany, over 500, 000 computer botnets are said to belong. In this practical tip, we explain what exactly is behind it and how you carry out a self-test.

What is a botnet and how do I know if I am part of it?

• Botnets consist of a network of numerous computers. These PCs are then called bots. If a computer is infected by a virus, it becomes part of the botnet. The user usually doesn't notice anything.
• The owner or the creator of the botnet can then use the individual computers for themselves by spying on them or by letting them carry out cyber attacks for them.
• Most bots are caught by infected email attachments. Once one is open, the bot will nest in the system within seconds. Key generators, which are required for illegally downloaded games, are also often contaminated.
• A sign that you are part of a botnet is a slow Internet connection and a constantly busy PC. Unfortunately, there are no clear signs of a botnet that you can easily recognize. The effects mentioned can also indicate other viruses and pests.
• In addition, many botnets are not active at all. The bot often waits for commands from its owner or for certain actions by the user. For example, some botnets only become active when a certain website is opened - for example, those that target online banking data. Before that, the malware was hardly recognizable to laypeople.
• In the next paragraph, you can read how you can be sure that you are not part of a botnet or can escape from it in an emergency.

Botnet check

In some cases, anti-virus programs can identify and remove the causer who put your PC in the botnet. Since some anti-virus software also scans internet traffic, participation can be noticed during operation and the problem can be solved. Inactive botnets in particular do not cause any data traffic and are therefore much more difficult to discover.

• First carry out a complete scan of your computer with your already installed anti-virus program. We also recommend a scan with the free Malwarebytes Anti-Malware tool.
• For beginners, these are all possible measures. You are well protected from botnets by keeping your system up to date and using an anti-virus program. In addition, you should be particularly careful on the Internet and not call up dubious websites.
• Advanced users can search for new or strange services and autostart entries in the Task Manager. If you find such an entry, you can delete it. However, only do this if you are familiar with it and are sure that it is not a question of system services.
• If your system is already part of a botnet and your anti-virus program removes a pest, you can still not be sure that another bot is not slumbering on your PC. You can only get rid of the malware if you set up the system again.
• Conclusion: If you are not exactly a computer specialist, it is very difficult to find out a botnet. Therefore, take all necessary security measures to avoid being infected in the first place: keep your system and your anti-virus program up to date, avoid dubious websites and do not open any programs or files from unknown sources.