IoT-Based Attacks: The Growing Threat

Internet of Things devices have become the preferred recruitment pool for modern botnets. Millions of insecure cameras, routers, DVRs, and smart home devices provide attackers with powerful DDoS capabilities. IoT-based attacks can generate enormous traffic volumes due to the sheer number of compromised devices available.

The Mirai botnet demonstrated the devastating potential of IoT-based attacks, generating traffic exceeding 1 terabit per second. IoT devices often ship with default credentials and receive infrequent security updates, making them easy targets for botnet recruitment. Once compromised, these devices can participate in attacks while continuing their normal functions, making detection difficult.

IoT botnets continue to evolve with new variants incorporating advanced features. Some botnets now include cryptocurrency mining capabilities, ransomware deployment, or data theft functions alongside DDoS capabilities. The dual-use nature of modern botnets makes them more profitable for attackers and more dangerous for potential victims.