What defines a botnet?

A botnet is specifically defined as a network of compromised computers that are controlled by an attacker to perform various malicious activities, such as sending spam emails, stealing data, or launching Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. This network consists of many infected devices, often referred to as "zombies," which are manipulated through command-and-control servers without the consent or knowledge of their owners. The ability of the attacker to command multiple devices simultaneously is what makes botnets particularly dangerous, as they can exponentially increase the scale and impact of attacks.

The focus on the malicious control of numerous compromised systems distinguishes botnets from other definitions, ensuring clarity in understanding their role in cyber threats and attacks. In contrast, the other choices describe concepts that do not align with the specific characteristics and functionalities associated with botnets. For example, the first option describes artificial intelligence, which is unrelated to the malicious network functionality of a botnet. The third option refers to secure internal communications, and the fourth describes tools for creating secure passwords, neither of which involve compromised systems or malicious control.