noun
- a network of computers infected with malicious software that can be controlled remotely by an attacker without the owners' knowledge
Usage: computing; cybersecurity
Examples
- Cybersecurity experts discovered a botnet that had infected thousands of personal computers.
- The botnet was used to launch a distributed denial-of-service attack against the website.
- Users should install antivirus software to protect their devices from becoming part of a botnet.
- Law enforcement shut down a major botnet operation that had been stealing financial data.
- The botnet's command and control servers were located in multiple countries.