What is a Bot? Bots are malicious software programs downloaded unknowingly onto your PC. They enable cybercriminals to control your PC to distribute spam, phishing scams, spyware, and malware—all without your knowledge. What is a Botnet? A botnet is a collection of bot-infected PCs. Bot herders, those who control botnets, are able to harness the power of thousands of PCs, often renting their botnets to other criminals.

Some of today’s larger botnets include Kraken, Mega-D and Storm. Each contain thousands upon thousands of bots and are capable of sending millions of spam per day.

Why should you care?

Your PCs could be used to send spam, adult content and malware and your network could be inundated with spam if you’re not adequately protected.

How to Protect Your Business

Keep PCs and servers current with the latest software updates and patches.

• Minimize your exposure to vulnerabilities by applying the latest security updates and patches to your software programs and operating systems. Enable automatic updates where possible.

Secure PCs and servers with security software.

• Employ a security solution such as Worry-Free™ Business Security Advanced or Standard, Trend Micro™ SecureSite, and InterScan™ Messaging Hosted Security to protect you from ID theft, risky websites and voluminous spam.

Educate employees

• Make sure employees are aware of today’s web threats and how they can help prevent infection.
• Require your employees to use secure passwords with combinations of letters, numbers and symbols. Frequently change passwords.

Set up a firewall

• Control the data coming through your ports by establishing a firewall.