Networks of computers that are exploited by spammers and hackers to forward junk e-mail and viruses without the knowledge of the PC user, known as bot networks, are on the increase, according to anti-virus firm Symantec. . . .
Networks of computers that are exploited by spammers and hackers to forward junk e-mail and viruses without the knowledge of the PC user, known as bot networks, are on the increase, according to anti-virus firm Symantec.

A bot (short for 'robot') is a program that is covertly installed on a targeted system, allowing an unauthorised user to remotely control the computer for a wide variety of purposes. Co-ordinating a group of bot-controlled systems makes a bot network, used to increase the speed and breadth of attacks.

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