Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Cybersecurity Practice Test

What is a collection of bots controlled by one individual known as?

1. Malware Cluster

2. Routing Network

3. Botnet

4. Spam Army

The correct answer is: Botnet

A collection of bots controlled by one individual is known as a botnet. A botnet is formed when multiple computers, often infected with malicious software, are networked together to perform automated tasks under the control of a single entity, often for malicious purposes like launching Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, spamming, or stealing data. The term "bot" refers to the infected device that is manipulated remotely, while "net" implies a network of these devices working together. This structure allows a cybercriminal to deploy significant resources that can amplify the impact of their attacks, making botnets a significant threat in the cybersecurity landscape. Other terms might refer to different concepts. For instance, "malware cluster" is not a commonly recognized term in cybersecurity and is less specific than "botnet." "Routing network" refers to the way data packets are directed and does not pertain to collections of infected devices. "Spam army" suggests a group organized specifically for spamming purposes but does not encapsulate the broader capabilities and connections that a botnet represents.