botyards

Botyards, also known as bot farms, are large groups of networked computers, often remotely controlled, that are used to perform automated tasks. These tasks can range from generating fake social media engagement, such as likes and followers, to participating in distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks or manipulating online polls and search engine rankings. The term "botyard" refers to the collection of these compromised or intentionally set-up machines, which can be a mix of personal computers, servers, and even Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

The operation of botyards often relies on malware that infects vulnerable devices, turning them into "bots" under the control of a botmaster. This botmaster can then issue commands to the botnet to carry out their malicious or manipulative agenda. The scale of a botyard can vary significantly, from a few hundred devices to millions, making them a potent tool for cybercriminals and other malicious actors.

Botyards are a significant concern for cybersecurity professionals and online platforms. They can be used to spread misinformation, commit fraud, and disrupt online services. Efforts to combat botyards involve detecting and disabling botnet command-and-control infrastructure, as well as educating users on cybersecurity best practices to prevent their devices from becoming part of a botnet. The anonymity and distributed nature of botnets make them challenging to dismantle completely.