Overview
The word 'botnet' is a combination of 'robot' and 'network.' Each infected device (a 'bot' or 'zombie') can be used to perform coordinated tasks, such as sending spam, launching DDoS attacks, or stealing data.
Command and Control (C2)
Botnets are managed by a 'botmaster' through a command and control infrastructure. This allows the attacker to send instructions to all bots simultaneously.
Impact
Botnets are a major threat to internet security, as they can harness the collective power of millions of devices to cause massive disruption.