Botnet-based CPE attacks happen when hackers compromise a CPE device and create a botnet to perform further attacks on target domains and websites.
The main method of launching botnet-based CPE attacks is to compromise a bunch of CPE devices such as routers, modems and cable boxes (via methods such as malware attacks, phishing attacks, Trojan injection or email attacks) and then have them become a part of a network known as the botnet. Hackers then use the botnets to carry out malicious activities.
The botmaster, who controls the botnet, can have access to compromised devices numbering in the thousands. Using the botnet, the botmaster attacks a given website or server and overwhelms the system’s resources, which leads to a complete shutdown of the server.