A bot is an automated software program designed to perform specific tasks on the internet, often much faster and more efficiently than humans. Bots can be used for a wide range of purposes, both helpful and malicious. Common examples include search engine bots that index web pages, chatbots that provide customer service, and malicious bots that spread spam or attempt to breach security. Understanding bots is important for recognizing both their benefits, such as automating repetitive tasks, and their risks, like enabling cyberattacks.