Final answer:
A botnet is a network of infected computers controlled by a cybercriminal. Worms are self-replicating malware that spread across networks. Viruses infect files and replicate themselves when the infected file is executed.
Step-by-step explanation:
Botnets: A botnet is a network of infected computers that are controlled remotely by a cybercriminal. These infected computers, also known as bots, can be used to carry out various malicious activities such as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, spamming, data theft, and spreading malware. Once a computer is infected, it becomes part of the botnet and can be used by the attacker without the user's knowledge or consent.
Worms: Worms are a type of malware that replicate themselves and spread across networks without needing human intervention. They exploit vulnerabilities in operating systems or software to gain access to computers and then use the network to spread to other vulnerable devices. Worms can cause significant damage by consuming network bandwidth, deleting files, or installing additional malware.
Viruses: Viruses are a type of malware that infects files or software and replicates itself when the infected file or software is executed. Viruses attach themselves to executable files, and when the infected file is opened, the virus can spread to other files on the computer. Viruses can cause a variety of harmful effects, such as deleting files, corrupting data, or stealing personal information.