WordValebotnet
a network of hijacked computers controlled remotely
In more detail
a network of computers that have been secretly infected with malicious software, allowing a hacker to control them remotely and use them for illegal activities such as sending spam or launching cyberattacks
Examples
- The security team discovered that thousands of computers had been compromised as part of a botnet.
How to use botnet
Botnet is a technical term used in cybersecurity and computing contexts to describe a network of infected machines controlled remotely. It is commonly used in security discussions, news reporting about cyberattacks, and technical documentation. The term emphasizes the coordinated, automated nature of the threat and the attacker's remote control over multiple devices.
Common phrases
- botnet attack
- botnet operator
- botnet infection
- distributed botnet
- botnet command server
- launch a botnet
Synonyms
zombie network · malware network · command-and-control network · compromised network
Word family
bot · botmaster
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use botnet to refer to a single infected computer rather than a network of multiple compromised machines; botnet specifically implies coordination of multiple devices.
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