Zombie. In computing, a zombie is a computer connected to a network that has been compromised by a hacker. The hacker controls the computer remotely for malicious purposes, such as carrying out a DDoS attack. Most owners of zombie computers do not realize their system is being used in this way, hence the comparison with the living dead.

Because zombies are in most cases already deceased, it is usually deemed impossible to kill them by conventional methods such as gunshot, poisoning, or stabbing, unless the brain is damaged or destroyed. In instances where zombification is caused by magic, a zombie may potentially be stopped by the death of its master.