Your computer, your router, even your smart doorbell could be quietly working for a stranger right now. A botnet turns thousands of ordinary devices into a remote-controlled army, often without their owners ever noticing. Our GetMyPassword team explains what a botnet is, how a device gets recruited, and how to keep yours out of one.
What a botnet is
A botnet is a network of devices secretly infected with malware and controlled remotely by an attacker. Each infected device — a “bot” — still works normally for you while quietly taking orders from whoever runs the network. A single operator can command thousands of these machines at once, which is exactly what makes botnets so powerful and so hard to shut down.
What botnets are used for
- Overwhelming websites in large coordinated attacks that knock services offline.
- Sending spam and phishing emails by the millions.
- Spreading more malware and stealing data from infected devices.
- Mining cryptocurrency using your electricity and processing power.
How a device gets recruited
Devices are pulled into a botnet through the usual doors: malware downloads, malicious attachments, and especially weak or default passwords on routers and smart-home gadgets. Many infected devices show only subtle signs — running hot, feeling slow, or using unusual amounts of data. The cheap smart device you never updated is a favorite target precisely because no one is watching it.
The smart gadget you forgot about is the one a botnet wants most. A default password on a device no one watches is an open invitation to be quietly conscripted.
How to keep your devices out
Keep every device and router updated, and most importantly, change default passwords on your router and smart-home devices to strong, unique ones. Generate them with our password generator, run reputable security software, and do not install programs from untrusted sources. A device with a strong password and current updates is a poor recruit for any botnet.
Frequently asked questions
What is a botnet in simple terms?
It is a network of devices secretly infected with malware and controlled remotely by an attacker. Each infected device still works normally for its owner while taking orders from whoever runs the network, often thousands at once.
How do I know if my device is part of a botnet?
Signs are subtle: a device running hot or slow, unusual data usage, or crashes. Running reputable security software, keeping devices updated, and watching for odd behavior are the best ways to catch and stop an infection.
How do I keep my devices out of a botnet?
Keep everything updated, change default passwords on your router and smart-home devices to strong, unique ones, run reputable security software, and avoid installing programs from untrusted sources.