A zombie computer or network is a group of infected computers or hosts that are linked to the Internet and have been infected by a computer virus or malicious programme. A malicious hacker takes control of a computer without the owner’s knowledge and uses it to carry out illicit acts.
In order to disseminate e-mail spam and perform distributed denial-of-service attacks, zombie machines are frequently utilised (DDOS attacks). When your computer is transformed into a zombie, it contributes to making the Internet a more hazardous place.
To clog the site’s routers and prevent legitimate users from obtaining access to the site, a zombie computer transmits a tremendous amount of worthless data to a targeted Web site. A zombie computer can appear to be functioning properly, making it difficult to detect whether or not your computer has been hacked.
Most zombie computers, on the other hand, gather so much malware over time that they become unusable by their owners. Usually, the motivation is either financial gain or malice. To construct a botnet, attackers usually target many computers. Botnets are most commonly used to spread spam (unwanted commercial e-mail), making it difficult to track down the original spammer.
A rootkit is a set of hacking tools used to gain concealed control over a distant computer. Child pornography and other illicit materials have been stored and transmitted on individual zombie computers. The hacker can command the zombies by broadcasting simple commands, eliminating the requirement for individual communication with each victim.
Symptoms of Zombie Computer
- Your PC is becoming increasingly sluggish: Even if you don’t have many applications open, your computer’s performance is substantially slower.
- Your computer regularly crashes.
- Unusual messages in your outgoing mail or bounced return mail that you did not send.
- You’re getting error warnings that aren’t explained.
- It takes longer for your computer to shut down and restart.
- Access to computer security websites has been disabled.
- Sudden pop-up windows appear and disappear.
- You are unable to gain access to the Control Panel.
- On your computer, everything appears to be in order.
- Apps on the PC that are suspicious or unknown.
How to Remove Zombies from your computer
- To find and remove malware, update your antivirus and/or anti-spyware software and scan your computer’s hard drive. Keep in mind that certain types of malware will disable your antivirus software.
- Set your computer’s personal firewall to the highest level of security.
- Often, zombie/bot malware instals a rootkit to hide from security software scanners. A rootkit is a malicious piece of software that operates invisibly.
- If you can’t get rid of zombies with these steps, wipe the hard drive or flash drive completely and reinstall the operating system and applications. Of course, make sure your important files are backed up first.
