botnet

[ bot-net ]

noun

, Computers.

1. a network of computers created by malware and controlled remotely, without the knowledge of the users of those computers:

   The botnet was used primarily to send spam emails.

   Hackers built the botnet to carry out DDoS attacks.

botnet

/ ˈbɒtˌnɛt /

noun

1. sometimes with a capital a network of computers infected by a program that communicates with its creator in order to send unsolicited emails, attack websites, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of botnet¹

First recorded in 1990–95 in earlier sense “a network of bots”; bot ¹ + net(work)

Word History and Origins

Origin of botnet¹

C20: from ( ro ) bot + net ( work )

Example Sentences

It followed a massive takedown in 2021 of a botnet called Emotet, Eurojust said.

From Seattle Times

A botnet is a network of hijacked computers typically used for malicious activity.

From Seattle Times

According to the indictment, between 2014 to 2022, Mr Wang and others created and operated the botnet, called 911 S5, from about 150 servers around the world.

From BBC

The botnet was used to carry out cyber attacks, large-scale fraud, child exploitation, harassment, bomb threats and export violations, the DOJ said.

From BBC

A botnet is a network of computers which have been infected with malware and are being controlled by a malicious actor.

From BBC