A botnet is a network of compromised devices that attackers remotely control to launch coordinated malicious activity at scale. Botnets matter because they let threat actors automate abuse across thousands or millions of systems at once.
What is a Botnet?
A botnet forms when malware infects computers, servers, routers, mobile devices, or IoT equipment and connects them to an attacker-controlled command structure. Each infected device becomes a bot that can receive instructions and participate in broader operations.
Attackers use botnets for distributed denial-of-service attacks, spam delivery, credential stuffing, malware distribution, crypto-mining abuse, and large-scale scanning. Because the malicious traffic comes from many devices, botnets can be difficult to block quickly.
How Botnets Spread
Botnets commonly spread through malware downloads, phishing, weak passwords, exposed remote services, insecure IoT devices, and unpatched vulnerabilities. Low-security devices are especially attractive because they may stay compromised for long periods without detection.
Botnet vs. Malware
Malware is the malicious software itself, while a botnet is the larger network of infected systems that malware helps create. One infected device is a compromise; many connected infected devices under shared control become a botnet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a botnet used for?
Common uses include DDoS attacks, spam campaigns, credential attacks, malware distribution, fraud, data theft support, and large-scale reconnaissance.
Can home devices become part of a botnet?
Yes. Consumer PCs, cameras, routers, smart home devices, and other internet-connected systems can all be recruited if they are poorly secured.
