Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly state an investment rating for the industry or specific companies. Core Insights - The report highlights the increasing significance of botnets as tools for geopolitical conflict, particularly in the context of recent global events such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Palestine conflict, where botnets have been used for DDoS attacks against critical infrastructure [14][18]. - The report indicates that the threat landscape posed by botnets is escalating, with a notable increase in the number of command and control (C&C) servers and attack activities, particularly targeting domestic critical infrastructure [14][15]. - Botnets are increasingly being utilized as a launchpad for advanced persistent threats (APTs) and ransomware groups, enhancing their operational efficiency by gathering intelligence and facilitating subsequent attacks [15][43]. Summary by Sections Executive Summary - In 2024, the global landscape is marked by turmoil and challenges, with the cyber domain becoming a battleground for major powers, where botnets play a crucial role in state-sponsored cyber operations [14]. - Botnets have been observed to execute high-intensity DDoS attacks against critical infrastructure, manipulate public opinion, and express political stances during significant geopolitical events [14][15]. Botnet Development Trends - Botnets have evolved into essential tools for state-level cyber warfare, with their operational capabilities being leveraged for both offensive and defensive strategies in the digital realm [18]. - The report notes that the Mirai botnet family remains the most active, with the Mozi malware continuing to spread at high levels, primarily exploiting vulnerabilities in Linux/IoT platforms [14][15]. Botnet Vulnerability and Propagation - The report identifies that Linux/IoT botnets primarily exploit outdated vulnerabilities and weak passwords for propagation, while Windows platforms are more susceptible to phishing and social engineering tactics [59][67]. - The geographical distribution of infected devices shows that the United States has the highest number of infected endpoints, followed by India, Russia, and Brazil [70][71]. Botnet Attack Activity Analysis - The Mirai botnet family is responsible for the majority of attack commands issued, with a significant spike in activity noted in September 2024 [80]. - China is reported to be the most targeted country for DDoS attacks, accounting for 34% of all recorded incidents, necessitating enhanced protection for critical infrastructure [80].