Final answer:
A botnet is a network of computers controlled by cybercriminals to perform malicious tasks like DDoS attacks and information theft. They are significant cybersecurity threats, capable of causing severe disruptions and stealing sensitive data.
Step-by-step explanation:
A botnet is a network of private computers infected with malicious software and controlled as a group without the owners' knowledge. They are often used to perform distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, stealing data, or to send spam. Here are two main ways that botnets are utilized:
- DDoS Attacks: Botnets are used to overwhelm a target system, such as a server, with a flood of internet traffic, which can cause disruptions in services or shut down websites.
- Information Theft: Botnets can be used to launch malware that infiltrates systems to steal sensitive information such as personal data, intellectual property, and government or military intelligence.
These unauthorized activities can severely affect organizations, governments, and individuals, leading to serious security challenges in cyberspace.