A network of computers infected with a virus and used to carry out security breaches is called what?

A network of computers infected with a virus and used to carry out security breaches is called what?

• A. Malware
• B. Domain
• C. Botnet
• D. Virus

Answer: (C)

A botnet is a network of computers infected with malicious software and controlled by an attacker. Each compromised machine becomes a bot (or zombie) that subscribes to instructions from a command-and-control system, allowing the attacker to coordinate actions across many devices. This setup enables powerful, scalable breaches such as coordinated DDoS attacks, large‑scale data theft, or mass distribution of more malware. The term emphasizes the collective network and centralized control, which is why it’s the best fit for describing a group of compromised machines used to carry out breaches. In contrast, malware is just any harmful software, a virus is a specific type of malware that replicates itself, and a domain refers to a network naming or administrative space rather than a network of infected hosts.

A botnet is a network of computers infected with malicious software and controlled by an attacker. Each compromised machine becomes a bot (or zombie) that subscribes to instructions from a command-and-control system, allowing the attacker to coordinate actions across many devices. This setup enables powerful, scalable breaches such as coordinated DDoS attacks, large‑scale data theft, or mass distribution of more malware. The term emphasizes the collective network and centralized control, which is why it’s the best fit for describing a group of compromised machines used to carry out breaches. In contrast, malware is just any harmful software, a virus is a specific type of malware that replicates itself, and a domain refers to a network naming or administrative space rather than a network of infected hosts.