Botnets, massive networks of compromised computers are targetted in a new Home Office campaign.

Typically the computer is infected using a virus or malware. At a later date the botnet can be used in worm attacks, denial of service attacks or spamming.

PC's and small businesses are seen as security weakest links. The campaign centres on a website and alert services for non-IT people.

Some of the botnets reach over 10,000 computers in size. Criminal gangs, have started to collaborate with technical experts to help ramp up their operations. For example, Eastern European gangs have attempted to extort money from gambling companies by threatening to bring down their sites.

The Home Office is trying to stop the PC's becoming infected in the first place.

A Home Office section, the National Infrastructure Security Co-ordination Centre (NISCC), will set up the alert service, according to Computer Weekly.

Considering how many potential sources of infection there are, only about 6-10 alerts a year will be issued. Signifying that only the most serious of threats will be higlighted.

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