what is Botnet ?

 

A botnet is a network of compromised computers or devices, often referred to as "bots" or "zombies," that are controlled remotely by a malicious actor (known as a "botmaster"). These devices are typically infected with malware, allowing the botmaster to execute various commands on them without the device owner’s knowledge.

Here are some common uses and dangers of botnets:

1. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks: Botnets are often used to flood a target server or website with traffic, overwhelming it and causing it to crash or become unavailable to users.

2. Spam Distribution: They can be used to send out massive amounts of spam emails or phishing messages, which can lead to further infections or fraud.

3. Credential Stuffing: Botnets may attempt to use stolen usernames and passwords on different sites, automating the process to try many combinations quickly.