What is an internet bot?

An Internet bot, web robot, robot or simply bot (an abbreviation of robot ), is a software application that runs automated tasks ( scripts) on the Internet, usually with the intent to imitate human activity, such as messaging, on a large scale.

Is a bot a robot?

Bots can be almost anything; the line between (simple) bots and ordinary programs can be opaque. To some, a bot needs to be an AI to count, but we disagree. A robot is a robot because of what it can do, not because it’s cool under pressure like R2-D2 or a scaredy-cat like C-3PO. And the same is true of bots.

How do bots work?

Bots are made from sets of algorithms that aid them in their designated tasks. These tasks include conversing with a human -- which attempts to mimic human behaviors -- or gathering content from other websites. There are several different types of bots designed to accomplish a wide variety of tasks.

Can a bot be malicious?

An organization or individual can use a bot to replace a repetitive task that a human would otherwise have to perform. Bots are also much faster at these tasks than humans. Although bots can carry out useful functions, they can also be malicious and come in the form of malware. How do bots work? Normally, bots operate over a network.