A bot is a software program designed to perform automated tasks over the internet, often executing repetitive actions faster and more efficiently than humans. Bots can be beneficial—such as chatbots, search engine crawlers, and automation tools—or malicious, like spam bots, credential-stuffing bots, and malware-driven bots used for cyberattacks.

One common use case for bots is customer support automation, where AI-powered chatbots handle inquiries, assist users, and provide 24/7 support. However, bots are also frequently used in cybersecurity threats, such as botnets, where thousands of infected devices carry out large-scale attacks like DDoS (Distributed Denial-of-Service) attacks, disrupting websites and online services.

Key Benefits & Risks:

• Efficiency & Speed – Automates repetitive tasks quickly and accurately.
• 24/7 Availability – Provides constant support and data processing.
• Cyber Threats – Malicious bots can spread malware, steal data, or disrupt services.
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO) – Bots index websites for search engines like Google.