Pete, a security analyst, has been tasked with explaining the different types of malware to his
colleagues. The two malware types that the group seems to be most interested in are botnets and
viruses. Which of the following explains the difference between these two types of malware?

A.
Viruses are a subset of botnets which are used as part of SYN attacks.

B.
Botnets are a subset of malware which are used as part of DDoS attacks.

C.
Viruses are a class of malware which create hidden openings within an OS.

D.
Botnets are used within DR to ensure network uptime and viruses are not.

Explanation:
A botnet is a collection of Internet-connected programs communicating with other similar programs
in order to perform tasks. This can be as mundane as keeping control of an Internet Relay Chat
(IRC) channel, or it could be used to send spam email or participate in distributed denial-of-service
attacks. The word botnet is a combination of the words robot and network. The term is usually
used with a negative or malicious connotation.
Computers can be co-opted into a botnet when they execute malicious software. This can be
accomplished by luring users into making a drive-by download, exploiting web browser
vulnerabilities, or by tricking the user into running a Trojan horse program, which may come from
an email attachment. This malware will typically install modules that allow the computer to be
commanded and controlled by the botnet’s operator. Many computer users are unaware that their
computer is infected with bots. Depending on how it is written, a Trojan may then delete itself, or
may remain present to update and maintain the modules.