A “botnet” sounds like some weird creature, but it’s basically a network of computers infected with malware that allows them to be remotely controlled by a cybercriminal.

Here’s an example everyone can relate to:

– Imagine when one person gets sick with the flu at school or work. Slowly but surely, that virus spreads person to person until an entire classroom or office is sniffling and coughing. Before you know it, you have a messy, rogue “network” of infected people ready to do harm by spreading even more germs.

In a similar way, a botnet spreads malicious software from device to device without the owners realizing what’s happening.

Once infected, those computers and networks can then be:

– Directed to steal information
– Used to spam other systems
– Employed to shut down websites in synchronized denial-of-service attacks

The term botnet combines:

– Robots or bots
– Network

And by leveraging these compromised bot networks, hackers can tap huge resources to carry out massive cybercrime campaigns all at once.

Law enforcement works hard to:

– “Cure” bot infections
– Dismantle these dangerous systems

Stay vigilant about keeping malware protection up to date across all devices. Encourage safe cyber hygiene practices among your family, friends, staff and beyond—because defending against botnets takes a village!