A C2 channel, or Command and Control channel, is a covert communication pathway used by cyber attackers to remotely control compromised systems within a target network. Through the C2 channel, attackers can send instructions to infected devices, extract sensitive data, deploy additional malware, or alter system configurations. These channels often use techniques like encryption, steganography, or legitimate network protocols to evade detection by security tools. Detecting and disrupting C2 channels is a critical aspect of cybersecurity defense, as their presence often indicates an active cyberattack or ongoing data exfiltration.