Beacon

Definitions

1. A periodic network communication from malware or an implanted agent to its controller, often used to check in, receive commands, or signal that the foothold is still alive. Beaconing patterns are a common detection target in network monitoring.

   In plain English: A repeated check-in signal sent from infected software to its controller.

   Example: "The SOC identified the compromise by spotting a regular encrypted beacon to a suspicious external host."

Related Terms

• Rootkit
• Botnet
• Cryptojacking
• Botnet Command and Control
• Domain Generation Algorithm
• Exploit Kit
• C2 Framework
• C2 Server
• DGA