A compromised computer that's been taken over and controlled remotely as part of a botnet.
A zombie is a compromised computer controlled remotely by attackers, typically as part of a botnet. The term emphasises that the computer acts without its owner's knowledge or control, carrying out the attacker's commands. Zombie computers participate in various malicious activities—DDoS attacks, spam distribution, or further malware propagation—while their owners remain unaware.
Why It Matters
The DSC Perspective:
Zombie computers demonstrate that compromise isn't always obvious. Regular security scans, endpoint protection, and network monitoring help detect if your systems have been turned into zombies.