How can I verify if my PC is part of a botnet?

[mayanksingh]

Internet is slow and some strange processes keep restarting. I’ve scanned with Malwarebytes. How else can I monitor outgoing traffic, unusual ports, or unauthorized DNS lookups in real-time?

[devraj]

Ever wondered if your PC is secretly up to no good? it can happen; your trusty laptop might be part of a botnet, and you would not even know! So, what is a botnet?

Think of it like a giant team of infected computers working for a cybercriminal, kind of like evil minions. And your PC could get dragged in by clicking weird links or downloading dodgy files.

So how do you check? First, keep an eye out for weird stuff: is your internet super slow when you are not doing much?

Or, does your computer fan get noisy, like it’s running a marathon just to open a browser? that is a clue.

Sometimes, your friends might say they are getting strange emails from your account; that is another big red flag.

Here is what I do: I run a full antivirus scan and check my Task Manager (press Ctrl+Shift+Esc) for odd-looking programs using up lots of power.

If things look sketchy, I change all my passwords. And don’t forget to update Windows and your security software.

Staying alert and checking your PC is easier than you think, and it’s way better than the headache of fighting off a botnet later!

[akashraj]

You wanna know if your PC is part of a botnet? First, you are not alone. It happened to my cousin once; his computer started acting like it had a mind of its own

If your PC is suddenly super slow, using lots of internet when you are not doing anything, or you’re seeing weird pop-ups, that’s a red flag. And botnets are sneaky.

What can you do? Download a good antivirus and run a scan. That’ll catch most bad stuff. Also, check your Task Manager for weird programs you don’t remember installing.

If something looks off, Google its name. And if you are still worried, reset your passwords and update everything. You’ll feel way better.

Everyone should check now and then, even if everything seems fine. Better safe than sorry!

[Anoop Kumar]

What is a Botnet, Anyway?

Imagine a botnet is like a secret club of infected computers. your PC could be one that a hacker controls, usually without you even noticing.

It’s sneaky, and most people don’t know they are part of it.

Signs Your PC Might Be in Trouble

If your computer is acting weird, like suddenly slow, with fans spinning like crazy, or the internet is crawling even when you are just staring at the desktop, it could be a sign. My cousin’s old laptop used to act up the same way.

Check Task Manager for Suspicious Stuff

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Take a look at the programs running. See anything with a name you don’t recognize, like weirdprocess.exe? Or something eating lots of memory? That is a red flag.

Run an Antivirus Scan

Botnets do not like antivirus. Give your PC a scan with any solid antivirus software; most of them are super easy to use now. If it finds something, just follow the instructions.

Ask for Help if You are Unsure

And do not be shy about asking someone techy for help. Sometimes just having another set of eyes helps you spot something odd. Stay on the lookout; curiosity is your best defense!

[Author]

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