What is a bot?

A bot is defined as a computer program designed to automate tasks that typically require human interaction. This technology is often utilized to simulate behaviors that might otherwise be performed by a human. For instance, bots can engage with users in chat applications, crawl web pages for information, or even perform basic functions such as data entry or customer service. By executing predefined scripts or using artificial intelligence, bots can operate autonomously and respond to stimuli in a way that mimics human responses, making them efficient tools for various applications in the digital space.

The other options do not accurately represent what a bot is. Security software focuses on protecting systems from threats, a hardware tool is tangible equipment related to computing tasks, and a manual process for user authentication involves physical actions by a person rather than automation.