A botnet is a network of infected computers and devices that are secretly controlled by cybercriminals. These compromised machines, often called "zombie computers," operate under the command of malicious actors without their owners' knowledge. Botnets represent one of the biggest threats to digital advertising because they can generate massive amounts of fake clicks and invalid clicks.
How botnets work
Criminals create botnets by infecting devices with malware through phishing emails, malicious downloads, or security vulnerabilities. Once infected, these devices become part of a larger network that can be remotely controlled. The botnet operator, known as the "botmaster," can issue commands to thousands or even millions of infected devices simultaneously.
The role of botnets in click fraud
Botnets are frequently used to commit ad fraud at scale. They can automatically click on ads, generate fake impressions, and create artificial traffic to websites. This activity drains advertising budgets and skews marketing data.
A single botnet can simulate thousands of real users, making it difficult for basic bot detection systems to identify the deception. Some sophisticated botnets even mimic human behavior patterns to avoid detection.
Common botnet activities
- Generating fraudulent ad clicks and impressions
- Creating fake traffic to websites
- Performing distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks
- Sending spam emails
- Mining cryptocurrency
- Stealing personal data
Protection against botnet fraud
Organizations can protect themselves from botnet-driven click fraud by implementing advanced fraud detection solutions. These tools analyze traffic patterns, user behavior, and technical indicators to identify and block botnet activity.
Regular security updates, strong passwords, and employee education about cybersecurity best practices can help prevent devices from becoming part of a botnet. Organizations should also monitor their advertising metrics for suspicious patterns that might indicate botnet activity.
See also: bot traffic, bot detection, bot mitigation
