Command and control viruses have been around for a long time, but we are really starting to see a lot more of them since Covid 19 lockdowns the past few years due to people inability to get out and about.

These types of viruses work  by remote servers and people (criminals) controlling your computer.

They are able to do this by taking advantage of systems on computer networks like the internet which are already compromised allowing communication between your computer and the hackers.

How Do Computers Get Infected in the First Place

There are many ways a computer can become compromised with Malware that allows attackers to control your computer but below are the most typical.

• Communication Emails: Viruses transferred by email have become are very effective way of spreading Malware and leaving your computer compromised. These viruses might have already infected a friends computer who you trust and open emails from on a regular bases.
• Vulnerable or Bad Plugins: Plugins for the most part are little extra bits of software we can download and add to existing software packages to increase functionality and productivity. An example if a password plugin you can download and add to your web browser to add remembering passwords easier.
• Someone having access to your computer: Leaving your computer unlocked and someone gaining physical access and installing the software so they can access your system later on.

What Devices Can Be Targeted

No personal computer device seems to be able to stop this type of viruses.

We have seen these viruses on Windows, Mac, tablets, desktops, servers and laptops.

Most of the computers we see Command and Control software on seem to be Windows computers with older operating systems like Windows 7 and 8 on them.

Microsoft have just released a new operating system call Windows 11 and we haven’t seen a lot of these viruses on this platform yet, but it is still early days.

Why Do Criminals Use Command and Control on Victims Computers

There are a multitude of reasons people use these types of viruses. The majority seems to be to get access to sensitive information on peoples computers like financial or personal.

We had one customer who had command and control on their computer in which the hackers installed keyloggers in the background to record every stroke of the keyboard to gain bank username and password information.

Another customer had personal photos stolen then deleted from his computer only to be contacted by the criminals shortly after who agreed to give them back for a fee.

The reason criminals use this type of virus is because they can control and manipulate systems over the internet and reduce the risk of being caught. They could be in a basement on the other side of the world.

How to Prevent Command and Control Viruses

Antivirus Software: Antiviruses programs are not 100% effective but they are a very good start. Every day there are new viruses hitting the internet so they always have to play catchup, but they are getting better at stopping command and control programs accessing and manipulating your system. Avast is a very good Antivirus program.

Updates: Keep your computer software, antivirus program and operating system up to date. I know there are a lot of things to consider when keeping your system safe, but updating your software on a regular bases or automatically can greatly reduce the chances of command and control viruses compromising your system.

Be careful what you accept: Always be careful what you download or accept from people or websites over the internet. Make sure you always verify the source, scan the download as it comes in and if in doubt don’t download it.