botnet

noun

UK /ˈbɒt.nɛt/

US /ˈbɑːt.nɛt/

A botnet is a group of computers that bad people control to do harmful things on the internet.

The hackers used a botnet to knock the website offline.

SYNONYMS

zombie network robot network compromised network malware network

RELATED WORDS

malware cyberattack hacker server DDoS

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A network of automated software agents (bots) that work together to perform tasks, sometimes legitimately.

The researchers built a botnet of simple programs to test the system's load.

3. A collection of internet-connected devices infected with malware and controlled remotely as a group.

Security experts traced the attack back to an infected botnet of smart cameras.

4. In computing slang, any coordinated group of automated accounts or programs acting in unison.

The spam campaign was run by a botnet of fake social media profiles.