Malicious actors operate command-and-control (C&C/C2) servers to communicate with the victim’s devices. These C2 servers communicate with the victim’s devices, giving them instructions to steal the user’s information, encrypt files for ransom, attack/infect other devices in the same network.
Suspect your device is compromised? Running an anti-virus scan first is always the best thing to do. Northwestern offers Symantec to all students for free HERE. Be sure to always check Northwestern’s IT site for news updates and more!
There are also free resources out on the Internet for you to find. Two sites provide free botnet checks: Kaspersky’s Simda Botnet IP Scanner and Sonicwall’s Botnet IP Lookup. When you catch wind of a botnet attack, pop on to these sites to see if you’re part of the problem
For any more questions or concerns, you can contact security@u.northwestern.edu.
Resources: https://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/us/security/definition/command-and-control-server