noun a network of private computers infected with malicious software and controlled as a group without the owners' knowledge, e.g., to send spam messages
In the IT field, botnets are a major concern for system administrators and cybersecurity professionals who work to detect and mitigate their impact on networks.
Botnets are often used in cyber attacks to carry out malicious activities such as DDoS attacks, spreading malware, and stealing sensitive information.
Botnets pose a significant threat to network security as they can compromise multiple devices to launch coordinated attacks.
Botnets are investigated in digital forensics to identify their origins, methods of operation, and potential vulnerabilities in order to prevent future attacks.
Ethical hackers may study botnets to understand their tactics and techniques in order to better defend against them in penetration testing and vulnerability assessments.
Botnets are often analyzed in the context of malware research to understand their behavior, communication protocols, and techniques used for evasion.
Botnets are a common factor in incident response scenarios where organizations need to contain and eradicate the threat posed by compromised devices.
A writer may mention botnets in articles or books about cybersecurity or technology.
An IT professional may work to detect and remove botnets from a network to ensure security.
Law enforcement officers may investigate and prosecute individuals or groups involved in creating or using botnets for illegal activities.
Cybersecurity analysts may study botnets to understand their tactics and develop strategies to defend against them.
Network administrators may implement measures to prevent botnets from infiltrating their networks and causing harm.
Software developers may create tools or programs to detect and remove botnets from devices.
Ethical hackers may use botnets in controlled environments to test network security and identify vulnerabilities.
Digital forensic analysts may analyze botnet activity to gather evidence for criminal investigations.
Data scientists may analyze data related to botnets to identify patterns and trends in cyber attacks.
Journalists may report on botnets and their impact on individuals, businesses, and governments.