C2 (Command and Control)
A Command and Control server is infrastructure used by attackers to remotely control compromised hosts (a botnet) and deliver instructions, exfiltrate data, or push malware updates. Blocking C2 communications is one of the most effective ways to disrupt an active attack.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is C2 (Command and Control)?
A Command and Control server is infrastructure used by attackers to remotely control compromised hosts (a botnet) and deliver instructions, exfiltrate data, or push malware updates. Blocking C2 communications is one of the most effective ways to disrupt an active attack.
How is C2 (Command and Control) related to Botnet?
C2 (Command and Control) and Botnet are both key concepts in threat intelligence. A botnet is a network of compromised devices ("bots") controlled by an attacker via a C2 server. Botnets are used for DDoS attacks, spam campaigns, credential stuffing, and ransomware delivery. Individual bots are often unaware they are compromised.
Related Terms
Botnet
A botnet is a network of compromised devices ("bots") controlled by an attacker via a C2 server. Botnets are used for DDoS attacks, spam campaigns, credential stuffing, and ransomware delivery. Individual bots are often unaware they are compromised.
IOC (Indicator of Compromise)
An indicator of compromise is an indicator supported by evidence of compromise or malicious activity. Security teams use IOCs to detect, contain, and investigate threats; an arbitrary IP address, domain, URL, file hash, or email address is only an observable until evidence supports that promotion.
Ransomware
Ransomware is malware that encrypts a victim's files or systems and demands payment (usually cryptocurrency) for the decryption key. Modern ransomware groups also exfiltrate data before encrypting and threaten to publish it — a tactic called double extortion.
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