A mobile botnet is a network of compromised mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablets, that cybercriminals can remotely control.. These mobile devices are infected with malware that transforms them into “bots” that hackers can use to execute commands.
Mobile botnets typically spread through malware that users unwittingly download from third-party app stores, drive-by downloads, or phishing. Once installed, these apps can execute harmful activities, such as sending sensitive data to command and control (C&C) servers.
What does a mobile botnet do?
A cybercriminal that’s often referred to as a Botmaster controls mobile botnets and uses these infected devices to execute cyberattacks and other malicious activities such as:
- Launch distributed denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, overwhelming targeted networks or servers
- Steal sensitive information, such as passwords, banking details, and personal data
- Send spam messages or distribute malware to other devices
Is botnet spyware?
No, botnets and spyware are two different types of malware but have some overlapping features. Botnet malware sometimes includes spyware functionalities to gather data from infected devices. Spyware monitors and collects information from a device without the user’s consent. On the other hand, botnets focus on using a network of compromised devices for large-scale cyberattacks.
How do I know if my device is part of a botnet?
Early detection of compromised devices early helps mitigate potential damage and minimize downtime. Here are some warning signs that a mobile device might be part of a botnet:
- Unusual battery drain can point to malware, as malware consumes significant power to run.
- Frequent device overheating can also occur due to the malware’s continuous background processes.
- Mobile botnets often use mobile data to communicate with C&C servers.
- The botnet malware leads to a mobile device’s performance slowing down due to increased CPU usage.
What is mobile botnet detection?
Mobile botnet detection involves identifying compromised devices within a network by monitoring device behavior for anomalies indicative of botnet activity and examining traffic patterns to detect communication with known C&C servers.
What is an Android botnet?
Mobile botnets targeting Android devices exploit the platform’s open nature, which allows for diverse applications and user modifications. One of the main attack vectors for Android devices is unpatched vulnerabilities, as the Android ecosystem has numerous manufacturers and custom OS versions. Sometimes, users delay or ignore system updates, exacerbating the risk.
One mobile botnet example is WireX, which harnessed thousands of Android devices to launch extensive DoS attacks. Another Android botnet, Nexus, operates as a malware-as-a-service (MaaS) and has been used in large-scale cyberattacks to intercept text messages, steal credentials, and perform attack takeover (ATO) attacks on financial applications.
Can botnet affect iPhone?
Mobile botnets targeting Apple devices are relatively rare due to the closed nature of the Apple ecosystem and Apple’s rigorous vetting process for its App Store. Moreover, iOS’s architecture limits app permissions and sandboxing, preventing unauthorized access to system resources.
Despite the Apple ecosystem’s defenses, mobile botnets still pose a significant threat to iPhones. There have been instances such as the iKee.B malware, which primarily targeted jailbroken iPhones. The iKee.B malware changed jailbreak iPhones’ root passwords and sent any banking information found in text messages to the botnet server.
How can I remove botnet malware from my mobile?
Removing botnet malware requires a systematic approach:
Utilize an MDM software
For IT teams managing multiple mobile devices, proactive mobile device protection at scale reduces risks and downtime caused by botnet attacks. The best MDM software offers tools that technicians can use to enforce security policies and monitor devices for unusual activities.
Regularly update device software
Hackers can target vulnerabilities in applications that have not received patches that resolve these malware attack vectors. With automated patch management software, IT administrators can ensure that their mobile devices’ operating systems and applications remain up-to-date with the latest security patches.
Back up data and reset to factory settings
If botnet malware persists, consider performing a factory reset. A factory reset will wipe all the data on your mobile device, so ensure that any crucial files are backed up before proceeding. Backup software automates creating copies of sensitive data and allows rapid recovery from backups. The best backup and recovery software even allows users to restore entire systems with specific configurations.
Secure sensitive data on your mobile devices with NinjaOne MDM’s robust security features.
Protecting your mobile fleet from mobile botnets
Reliable protection from mobile botnets requires IT security experts to keep track of their mobile fleets, receive notifications of suspicious activity, deploy consistent patches and updates, and more. IT teams should consider investing in comprehensive MDM software, such as NinjaOne MDM, for faster and easier mobile device monitoring and management.
As G2’s no.1 MDM software, NinjaOne offers IT teams complete visibility and control of their Android, iOS, and iPadOS devices, including for organizations with BYOD policies. NinjaOne MDM’s robust security features allow users to leverage access control, enforce security policies, and perform remote locks or wipes of lost or compromised devices. With NinjaOne MDM, IT experts can secure their mobile devices with fast and easy access to MDM, patch management, and data backup and recovery capabilities from one user-friendly, centralized platform.
Get a first-hand look at how NinjaOne can transform your IT management – watch a demo or try it for free.
