What is a botnet?

A botnet refers to a network made up of numerous infected devices, such as computers, that have been compromised by malware and can be controlled remotely by a hacker or a cybercriminal. The purpose of a botnet can vary, but common uses include executing distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, spreading more malware, sending spam messages, or stealing sensitive information from infected devices. The term 'bot' derives from the word 'robot,' as these compromised machines perform automated tasks without the knowledge or consent of their owners.

The importance of understanding what a botnet is lies in recognizing the growing challenges of cybersecurity. In an era where connected devices are prevalent, the risk associated with botnets is significant, and addressing them is crucial for maintaining network security and data integrity.