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Background for this topic.
Command and Control (C2) describes the communication channels attackers use to remotely manage compromised systems within a target network. These channels allow adversaries to send instructions to malware, enabling actions like data theft, lateral movement, or launching attacks such as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS). C2 infrastructure often involves covert protocols or encrypted traffic to evade detection.
Effective defense requires monitoring network traffic for unusual patterns or connections to known malicious domains and blocking or isolating suspected C2 communications. Disrupting these channels can prevent attackers from controlling infected devices, limiting the scope and impact of an intrusion. Understanding C2 techniques is essential for prioritizing network segmentation, threat intelligence integration, and timely response to contain active compromises.
Threat actors can take over victims' cloud accounts to steal data, or use them for command-and-control for phishing attacks, denial of service, or other cyberattacks.