What Is a Botnet Infection? (And How to Tell If Your PC Is Part of One)
What Is a Botnet Infection? (And How to Tell If Your PC Is Part of One)
Is your computer acting weird—slowing down, using a ton of internet bandwidth, or behaving like it has a mind of its own? You might be dealing with a botnet infection, one of the sneakiest cyber threats out there. At ABQ Computer Pros, we’ve helped many Albuquerque clients clean up infected systems and stop these hidden intruders in their tracks.
Let’s break down what a botnet is, how infections happen, and what you can do about it.
What Is a Botnet?
A botnet (short for “robot network”) is a group of internet-connected devices infected and controlled by hackers—without the owners even knowing. Once infected, your PC becomes a "bot" or "zombie" that’s secretly used to:
Send spam emails
Launch cyberattacks (like DDoS attacks)
Mine cryptocurrency
Spread viruses or malware to other systems
Steal data and passwords
Hackers can control thousands—or even millions—of these zombie devices at once, making botnets powerful and dangerous.
How Do Botnet Infections Happen?
Botnets usually sneak into your system through:
Fake software downloads
Malicious email attachments
Phishing links
Infected websites or ads
Unsecured IoT devices (like cameras or smart TVs)
Most of the time, users don’t even know they’ve been infected because the malware runs quietly in the background.
Signs Your Device Might Be in a Botnet
Here are some common red flags:
Unexplained slowdowns even when you’re not running many programs
High internet usage or data spikes
Computer fans running constantly due to increased activity
Emails or messages sent from your account that you didn’t write
Antivirus warnings or blocked outgoing connections
Programs crashing or system behaving strangely
If you notice any of these, your device might be part of a botnet.
How to Remove a Botnet Infection
Disconnect from the internet to stop communication with the botnet controller.
Run a full malware scan using reputable antivirus or anti-malware software.
Check for suspicious programs or background processes and remove anything you don’t recognize.
Update your software and operating system to patch vulnerabilities.
Call ABQ Computer Pros for a complete system check and deep cleaning.
How to Prevent Future Infections
Avoid downloading software from untrusted sites
Don’t open email attachments from unknown sources
Keep your antivirus and system updated
Use strong passwords for all your accounts and devices
Secure your Wi-Fi and IoT devices with proper settings and firmware updates
Being proactive is the best defense against hidden threats like botnets.
ABQ Computer Pros: Your Local Malware Experts
At ABQ Computer Pros, we specialize in identifying and removing malware, including stealthy botnet infections. If your computer is acting suspicious or just doesn’t feel right, we’ll track down the problem and get you back up and running fast.
📍 Serving Albuquerque with expert, friendly, and affordable tech support.
💬 Call ABQ Computer Pros today to scan your system and stay safe from hidden cyber threats like botnets. Don’t let your PC be a zombie!
