Why do Internet-connected household devices create new botnet security concerns?

Internet-connected household devices, often referred to as the Internet of Things (IoT), create significant security concerns because they frequently lack adequate security protections, providing hackers with numerous vulnerability points to exploit.1

When these devices are compromised by malware, they can be transformed into zombie computers. These infected devices are then organized into botnets—networks of compromised machines—which cybercriminals use to conduct illegal activities without the owners' knowledge. Because IoT devices are often inadequately protected, they serve as ideal targets for building these networks, which are then used to:2

• Disseminate spam and phishing scams.2
• Launch denial of service attacks to shut down websites.2
• Store or transmit illegal materials.2

The proliferation of these connected devices increases the total number of entry points for attackers, making it easier for criminals to breach networks and leverage household hardware for large-scale cybercrime.12