What is a botnet?

A botnet is defined as a network of compromised computers that are controlled by an attacker, making the chosen answer the most accurate. In this context, "compromised computers" refers to machines that have been infected with malicious software, allowing the attacker to remotely control them without the knowledge of the users. This network of infected devices is often used to perform a variety of malicious activities, such as launching distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, sending spam emails, or executing other forms of cybercrime.

The infrastructure of a botnet can be quite extensive, as it may involve thousands or even millions of infected devices, collectively referred to as "bots." The attacker, known as the "botmaster," can deploy commands to all the bots simultaneously, enabling them to operate as a cohesive unit despite being located in different geographic locations.

Understanding what a botnet is essential in cybersecurity, as it highlights the risks posed by cybercriminals who exploit vulnerabilities in systems and leverage them for nefarious purposes. This knowledge contributes to better defense mechanisms and strategies to mitigate the threats that botnets present.