Bots Dominate Nearly Half of Internet Traffic, Major Security Concerns Arise

A new report highlights a significant rise in bot traffic on the internet, with almost half of all activity now attributed to these automated systems. The 2024 Imperva Bad Bot Report reveals that 49.6% of internet traffic in 2023 came from bots, marking a 2% increase from the previous year and the highest level since records began.

The Impact of Bad Bots

Bad bots, which perform malicious tasks, also saw an increase, now accounting for 32% of web traffic. These bots engage in activities such as spam, denial of service attacks, and account takeovers, which pose serious security threats to businesses. The financial implications are substantial, forcing companies to spend more on security and infrastructure.

The gaming industry experiences the highest proportion of bot traffic, at 57.2%. Other sectors like retail and travel also face significant challenges, with bots accounting for 24.4% and 20.7% of traffic, respectively. Financial services are particularly targeted by account takeover attempts, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced security measures.

Advanced Bots and API Attacks

The sophistication of bad bots continues to evolve, with many now able to mimic human behavior and bypass security protocols. This has led to an increase in API attacks, which are particularly concerning as they often lead to data breaches. In 2023, 30% of API attacks involved automated threats.

Experts advise that organizations invest in advanced bot management and API security tools to protect against these threats. The ongoing development of AI tools means that bots will only become more common, making proactive security measures essential.

These insights underscore the growing importance of cybersecurity in an increasingly automated world. As bot traffic rises, so does the need for robust defenses to safeguard data and maintain the integrity of online services.