What is a Botnet? A Complete Guide to Understanding and Preventing Botnet Attacks

Did you know that botnets have been behind some of the biggest cyberattacks in history, including shutting down websites like Twitter, Netflix, and Reddit? Cybercriminals use botnets to control thousands or even millions of devices without their owners ever realizing it. These “zombie armies” of infected devices are one of the most dangerous weapons in modern cybercrime.

In this article, we’ll break down what a botnet is, how botnets work, the types of botnet attacks, and how you can detect and prevent them. Whether you’re a CEO, a cybersecurity professional, or just someone worried about your devices, this guide will give you the insights you need to stay protected.

What is a Botnet?

A botnet is a network of compromised computers, servers, or Internet of Things (IoT) devices that cybercriminals control remotely. The word comes from combining “robot” and “network.”

Once a device is infected with malware, it ...