Botnets are networks of remotely controlled compromised computers.^[0] Such infected hosts are controlled principally by a botmaster via a command and control center (C2)^[1] Botnets can be used for attacks including DDoS,^{[1][2][3][4][5]} click fraud,^[2][6][7] data harvesting,^[8] credential stuffing,^[9] vulnerability probing,^[9] phishing,^[10][11] astroturfing, and sockpuppeteering. Their distribution and scale makes them difficult for 3rd party services to detect and stop. Such compromised computers are called bots, zombies,^[12] drones,^[13] or infected hosts.^[1] The individual controlling a botnet is called a botmaster,^[14] botnet herder^[15][16] or bot herder.^[0][17]

See Also

• Bot
• Botmaster
• Botnet Command and Control Center
• Botnet Milker

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