How Do Hackers Create Botnets? The Lifecycle of a Cyber Attack Network

Hackers follow a structured approach when creating botnets. The lifecycle of a botnet can be broken down into the following key stages:

1. Infection and Recruitment

The first step in building a botnet is infecting vulnerable devices. Hackers use various techniques to compromise systems and install botnet malware, including:

• Phishing Emails – Attackers send deceptive emails with malicious links or attachments that, when opened, install malware on the victim’s device.

• Exploiting Vulnerabilities – Hackers scan the internet for devices running outdated software with unpatched security flaws.

• Brute-Force Attacks – Weak passwords allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems.

• Trojanized Software – Malicious code is embedded within seemingly legitimate applications, infecting users who install them.

• Drive-By Downloads – Malicious websites automatically install botnet malware on unprotected devices without user consent.

Once infected, the compromised device—now referred to as a “bot”—becomes part of the botnet.

2. Command and Control (C2) Communication

After infection, the compromised devices establish communication with a Command and Control (C2) server controlled by the hacker. The C2 server acts as the central hub where attackers issue commands and monitor botnet activity. There are different types of C2 architectures used in botnets:

• Centralized C2 – All bots communicate with a single server controlled by the attacker. This setup is easier to manage but also easier to detect and shut down.

• Peer-to-Peer (P2P) C2 – Bots communicate with each other rather than a single central server, making detection and takedown more challenging.

• Domain Generation Algorithm (DGA) – Some botnets use automatically generated domain names to stay active even if law enforcement blocks their original C2 servers.

3. Botnet Growth and Propagation

Once the botnet is established, hackers seek to expand their network by infecting more devices. This can be done through:

• Self-Propagation – Some botnet malware is designed to scan for additional vulnerable devices and automatically infect them.

• Bot Recruitment via Dark Web Services – Cybercriminals sell access to botnets or lease them out for specific attacks.

• Malware Updates – The botnet may receive updates that improve its ability to evade detection and infect new devices.

4. Execution of Cyber Attacks

Once a botnet reaches a sufficient size, hackers can use it for various types of cyber attacks. Some of the most common botnet-driven attacks include:

• Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks – Botnets flood a target’s network with excessive traffic, overwhelming its resources and causing service disruptions.

• Spam and Phishing Campaigns – Attackers use botnets to send millions of malicious emails designed to steal credentials or spread malware.

• Credential Stuffing Attacks – Bots automatically try stolen username-password combinations to break into accounts on multiple services.

• Financial Fraud and Identity Theft – Botnets can harvest sensitive financial information, leading to unauthorized transactions and identity fraud.

• Cryptojacking – Botnets hijack infected devices to mine cryptocurrency, using up computing power and electricity without the owner’s consent.

5. Evasion and Persistence

To avoid detection and takedown, botnets employ several evasion techniques:

• Encryption and Obfuscation – Communications between infected devices and the C2 server are encrypted to evade network security monitoring.

• Polymorphic Malware – The botnet’s code constantly changes to avoid signature-based antivirus detection.

• Use of Legitimate Cloud Services – Some botnets disguise their activity by using reputable cloud services like Google Drive or GitHub for command distribution.

• Failover Mechanisms – If one C2 server is taken down, the botnet automatically connects to backup servers to maintain functionality.

6. Monetization and Exploitation

Hackers monetize botnets in various ways, depending on their goals. Some of the most common ways botnets generate illicit profits include:

• Ransom DDoS (RDoS) – Attackers threaten organizations with devastating DDoS attacks unless a ransom is paid.

• Selling Access to Other Criminals – Botnet operators rent out their network to cybercriminals for launching attacks.

• Selling Stolen Data – Credentials, financial information, and personal data harvested by botnets are sold on the dark web.

• Extortion and Blackmail – Botnets that compromise IoT devices with cameras can be used to capture sensitive footage for blackmail purposes.

7. Takedown and Countermeasures

Law enforcement agencies, cybersecurity firms, and ethical hackers work to dismantle botnets by:

• Identifying and Seizing C2 Servers – Disrupting the command structure can render the botnet inactive.

• Patching Vulnerabilities – Encouraging organizations and individuals to update their software to close security loopholes.

• Sinkholing – Redirecting bot traffic to controlled servers to neutralize the botnet’s impact.

• Public Awareness Campaigns – Educating users about securing their devices to prevent infections.