A botmaster is a cybercriminal who controls a botnet--a network of compromised internet-connected devices (computers, smartphones, IoT gadgets). These devices, known as "bots" or "zombies," are infected with malware that allows the bot herder to remotely command them to perform large-scale malicious activities, often without the owners' knowledge
Understand more election terms clearly
Get one important election term explained each week, with authoritative sources, practical context and related definitions.
A botmaster is a cybercriminal who controls a botnet--a network of compromised internet-connected devices (computers, smartphones, IoT gadgets). These devices, known as "bots" or "zombies," are infected with malware that allows the bot herder to remotely command them to perform large-scale malicious activities, often without the owners' knowledge
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Botmaster. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 13, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/botmaster
Sources
01
Single-source
Get the weekly election term
Receive one cited, source-backed election explanation in your inbox each week.