What is a botnet?

What is a botnet?

• A. A network of secure devices
• B. A collection of IoT devices
• C. A network of infected devices controlled by an attacker
• D. A cloud storage solution

Answer: (C)

A botnet refers to a network of infected devices that are compromised and controlled by an attacker, often without the knowledge of the device owners. These devices, which can include computers, smartphones, and IoT devices, typically have malware installed that allows the attacker to manage them remotely. The primary purpose of utilizing a botnet is to carry out various malicious activities, such as launching distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, stealing personal information, or sending spam emails. Understanding this concept is crucial, especially in cybersecurity, as botnets represent a significant threat to both individual users and organizations. The compromised devices in a botnet can be massed together to perform coordinated attacks that would be impossible to achieve individually, making them a powerful tool for cybercriminals. In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe a botnet's functionality or purpose. For instance, a network of secure devices or a cloud storage solution describes either legitimate, properly functioning systems or technologies that do not imply malicious intent or control. Similarly, while a collection of IoT devices may be part of a botnet if infected, this definition alone does not encompass the broader impact and characteristics of a botnet.

A botnet refers to a network of infected devices that are compromised and controlled by an attacker, often without the knowledge of the device owners. These devices, which can include computers, smartphones, and IoT devices, typically have malware installed that allows the attacker to manage them remotely. The primary purpose of utilizing a botnet is to carry out various malicious activities, such as launching distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, stealing personal information, or sending spam emails.

Understanding this concept is crucial, especially in cybersecurity, as botnets represent a significant threat to both individual users and organizations. The compromised devices in a botnet can be massed together to perform coordinated attacks that would be impossible to achieve individually, making them a powerful tool for cybercriminals.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe a botnet's functionality or purpose. For instance, a network of secure devices or a cloud storage solution describes either legitimate, properly functioning systems or technologies that do not imply malicious intent or control. Similarly, while a collection of IoT devices may be part of a botnet if infected, this definition alone does not encompass the broader impact and characteristics of a botnet.