What term describes a network of infected computers that can be controlled by a hacker?

The term that describes a network of infected computers that can be controlled by a hacker is indeed a botnet. A botnet consists of multiple compromised devices, often referred to as "bots" or "zombies," which are connected to the internet and can be remotely controlled by an attacker. The hacker can utilize this network to execute various malicious activities, such as launching distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, sending spam emails, or stealing personal information.

This term highlights the collective nature of these infected machines, emphasizing how they can be managed as a unified group to perform coordinated attacks or tasks without the knowledge or consent of the device owners. Botnets are particularly dangerous due to their ability to scale up attacks using numerous compromised devices, which can make detection and mitigation efforts more complex. Understanding botnets is crucial in the field of cybersecurity as they represent a significant threat to both individual users and larger organizations.

In contrast, the other terms refer to different concepts in cybersecurity. A Trojan is a type of malware that masquerades as legitimate software. A worm is a self-replicating malware that spreads without the need for human intervention. Spyware is designed primarily to gather information from a user without their knowledge. Each of these plays a role in