What is a botnet?

A botnet refers to a network of infected devices, often called "bots" or "zombies," that are controlled remotely by a cybercriminal. These bots are typically infected through malware, allowing the attacker to manipulate them for various malicious purposes. The motivations for leveraging a botnet can include launching Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, stealing personal information, sending spam, or distributing additional malware. The key characteristic of a botnet is the centralized control by the attacker, which enables the simultaneous harm of multiple devices across vast networks. This capability highlights the significant threat that botnets pose to individuals and organizations alike, making them a primary focus in cybersecurity training and awareness initiatives.

Other options do not represent what a botnet is. For instance, methods of encrypting data, types of firewalls, and malware detection software serve different purposes within the realm of cybersecurity and do not involve the concept of a network of controlled infected devices.