By the way, your machine might be a zombie computer without you even being aware of that.
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What Does Zombie Computer Mean?
The majority of zombie computers are actually home-based machines owned and used by the average Joe and Jane.
The worst part is that users rarely suspect hackers have taken over their computers and turned them into zombies.
What Is a Zombie Attack?
A zombie attack is a coordinated zombie computer assault that involves thousands of computers remotely controlled by hackers.
What Are Zombie Computers Used For?
Hackers frequently use zombie computers to launchspam attacks.
As a matter of fact, security researchers estimate that about 80 percent of spam attacks involve zombie PCs.
Hackers often rely on zombies to launchphishing and data theftattacks.
Zombies are perfect for launchingDDoS attacks.
Cyber-criminals may also use zombie computers tostore and distribute illegal files.
By the way, do you recall the wave ofransomware attacksfrom 2017 with Wannacry and Petya leading the charge?
Yup, hackers used zombie computers to launch those ransomware attacks.
This is because the devices remain dormant and work as intended until the hackers start giving them commands.
What Is the Difference Between a Bot and a Zombie?
A bot is a script or tool that allows hackers to run tasks on infected machines.
A zombie is a computer thats been infected by bots.
Simply put, bots infect regular computers and turn them into zombies.
In other words, bots are the means, and zombie computers are the result.
When hackers use zombie computers to spread malware, they turn them into bots.
Why Do Hackers Need to Own so Many Zombie Machines?
The higher the number of zombie computers, the greater the damage hackers can inflict.
A data pipe of zombie machines ready to spread malware or deliver zombie attacks is called a botnet.
To keep your system safe,install a reliable antivirus programand a compatible antimalware tool.
