What does the term "botnet" refer to?

The term "botnet" specifically refers to a network of infected computers that are controlled by a malicious actor. This network is created when malware, often known as bots or zombies, infects individual computers, allowing the attacker to control them remotely. Once a computer becomes part of a botnet, it can be used to perform a variety of malicious activities, such as launching distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, sending spam emails, or harvesting personal data without the owner's consent.

Botnets are particularly dangerous because they can harness the collective power of many infected machines, providing attackers with increased resources to accomplish their nefarious goals. The scale and anonymity of botnets make them a significant threat in the world of cybersecurity.

The other options do not accurately describe botnets, as they either suggest legitimate uses or simply pertain to user access without the malicious intent inherent to botnets.