The rise of the bots : Bots are shaping the Internet today
What are bots?
A bot is a computer programme designed to
work automatically. It is mainly used to gather information on the Internet or
perform repetitive jobs.
Are they good or bad?
Like for every technology, there are two
sides to bots as well. One of the typical beneficial uses of a bot is to gather
information. Bots in such guises are called web crawlers, as cyber security
solution major Norton has explained in its blog, adding that another good use
is automatic interaction using instant messaging, instant relay chat or other
web interfaces.
Dynamic interaction with websites is yet
another way bots are used for positive purposes.
Norton defines a malicious bot as
self-propagating malware that infects its host and connects back to a central
server(s). Malicious bots can gather passwords, log keystrokes, obtain
financial information, relay spam, and exploit back doors opened by viruses and
worms, among other things. Bots have also come under scrutiny in relation to
automated accounts on Twitter and Facebook. Efforts are being made to restrict
these bots from spreading misinformation on the respective platforms.
How are the ‘good’ bots being used?
Artificial intelligence-based bots are
increasingly being used by organisations and entities to provide customer care,
and sales and marketing services.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has said, “Bots
are the new apps.” Interestingly, according to technology research and advisory
firm Gartner, by 2021 more than 50% of enterprises will be spending more per
annum on bots and chatbot creations than traditional mobile app developments.
Some popular examples of bots are Apple’s
Siri, the Google Assistant, Amazon’s Alexa and Microsoft’s Cortana. But the
list is getting longer. Closer home, some banks have also introduced AI-based
chatbots that are capable of interacting with users and answering
information-related queries.
How do you know your computer is infected?
According to Norton, symptoms such as a slow
Internet or crashing of computer for no apparent reason, pop-up windows and
advertisements appearing even when a web browser is not being used, friends and
family receiving mails you did not send, or a fan going into “overdrive” when
the device is idle may mean that your system is infected.
What are the precautions and remedies?
It is important to have a good anti-malware
software. All softwares should be updated and system updates should not be
ignored.
Regards
Pralhad
Jadhav
Senior Manager @
Knowledge Repository
Khaitan &
Co
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