How does a botnet operate?

A botnet operates as a network of compromised computers, often referred to as "bots" or "zombies," that are remotely controlled by an attacker. The primary characteristic of a botnet is its ability to execute various tasks collectively, which are typically malicious in nature. These tasks might include launching Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, sending spam emails, stealing personal information, or deploying additional malware.

The nature of a botnet allows attackers to harness the computing power and resources of many different machines, making it much more challenging for law enforcement to trace and mitigate attacks originating from such networks. By controlling a large number of infected devices, cybercriminals can amplify their reach and impact, often without the users of these devices being aware of their involvement in criminal activities.

In contrast, options discussing networks of firewalls, secured servers, or backup tools do not represent the concept of a botnet; they focus on security and operational aspects of computer networks rather than the exploitation of compromised systems.