A botmaster is a person who operates the command and control of
botnets for remote process execution. The botnets are typically installed on compromised machines via various forms of remote code installation. The botmaster will often hide his/her identify via proxies, TOR and/or shells to disguise their
IP Address from detection of investigators and law enforcement. The bots are configured to authenticate the command and control station via password and/or keys to allow remote control. In some cases a botnet is shared, and multiple botmasters operate it together. It is also commonplace for hacking the botnet credentials or otherwise taking control of another botmaster's botnets.