In the context of cybersecurity, C2 stands for Command and Control. This term refers to the infrastructure used by an attacker to maintain communications with compromised systems within a target network. Command and Control servers are critical for cybercriminals as they allow them to send commands to the infected systems, also known as bots or zombies, and to receive data back from these systems, such as stolen information, system status, or other types of feedback.
Understanding the role of Command and Control in cybersecurity is essential for threat detection and mitigation strategies. Security teams often focus on identifying and disrupting C2 communications to neutralize threats and prevent attackers from maintaining access to compromised systems. This concept is fundamental in various attack vectors, such as those involving malware, ransomware, and botnets, which often rely on C2 infrastructure to operate effectively.