Many people assume that a botnet is defined by IP address or location. In reality, a single botnet ID can include devices with multiple IPs, various operating systems, and different hardware.
Once, my client's website was attacked by a botnet. I blocked it, but the same botnet kept attacking other domains with different IPs.
Why? Because a botnet is essentially a distributed network of compromised devices.
A laptop in Korea, a printer in the U.S., a smartphone in Germany… all of these can be part of the same botnet if they’re controlled by the same attacker.
1️⃣ How do we categorize devices into a single botnet?
The key question is: “Who is controlling them?”
C&C Server (Command & Control): the central “brain” of the botnet
Common malicious code: the program installed on infected devices that connects them to the C&C server
Even if devices differ in IP, location, or type, if they run the same malicious code and communicate with the same C&C server, they belong to the same botnet.
👉 Think of it like a remote-controlled army:
Each soldier may look different, but they all follow the same commander’s orders.
2️⃣ How does a botnet launch attacks?
Once connected to the C&C server, attackers can issue commands to all bots simultaneously:
DDoS attacks: flooding websites with massive traffic
Spam campaigns: sending thousands of emails at once
Malware distribution: spreading ransomware or other malicious software
Because the attacks come from thousands of devices around the world, tracking the attacker is extremely difficult. This global distribution also amplifies the attack’s impact.
3️⃣ Where does the C&C server live, and who sets it up?
The C&C server is the botnet’s control center. Attackers often set it up in ways that make tracking hard:
Cloud servers or VPS
Compromised servers belonging to companies or individuals
Peer-to-peer (P2P) networks where bots relay commands to each other
In short, it doesn’t matter where the server is physically located—what matters is that bots can connect to it to receive commands.
4️⃣ Why botnets are hard to stop
Detection is tricky: Security analysts rely on malware patterns and unusual traffic behavior to identify botnets.
Defense is multi-layered: Updating software, using antivirus tools, and monitoring network traffic are essential.
**Botnets keep evolving: **Modern botnets use encrypted communication, P2P structures, and target not only PCs but also IoT devices like cameras, printers, and smart appliances.
👉 Think of botnets like a living organism: they adapt, hide, and grow stronger over time.
5️⃣ Key Takeaways
Botnet ID = C&C server + common malicious code
Location, IP, and device type do not define a botnet
Attacks are coordinated via the C&C server
Detection requires malware analysis and traffic monitoring
Botnets are constantly evolving
💡 Understanding how botnets work is critical—not just for security professionals, but for anyone connected to the internet.
Even a single unpatched device could become part of a global attack network.
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