An Overview of Modern Botnets

Botnets, a network of malware-infected computers, have been used for a range of malicious activities. Evolving from fast fluxing to employing anonymous networks, they have matured and have become exceedingly sophisticated over the years. Understanding and dismantling these networks has become a global effort that requires active research and cooperation between private and government sectors. In this paper, we provide the latest overview of modern botnets in terms of structure, purpose, formation, detection, and mitigation. We also review recent developments on botnets and related research in combating this phenomenon.