Bots

Nearly half of all internet traffic is now generated by bots—automated programs that can be either beneficial or highly dangerous. A growing number of these bots pose serious threats to both consumers and businesses, according to cybersecurity experts. Malicious bots are increasingly being used to craft phishing scams, steal identities, spread malware, and exploit user trust to execute fraudulent schemes.

The threats extend beyond individual users. Businesses with strong social media followings are being targeted by bots that can associate their brands with unethical activity, thereby damaging reputations and eroding customer trust. As bots become more sophisticated, their impact becomes harder to contain. Christoph C. Cemper, founder of AIPRM, noted that these malicious entities can significantly affect brand perception and loyalty.

The 2024 Bad Bot Report by Imperva highlighted that bot-related traffic has grown for the fifth consecutive year, with bad bots now comprising 32% of all internet traffic. In comparison, good bots accounted for 17.6%. Human traffic declined to just over half of all online activity, signaling a rapid shift toward automated interactions on the web. This rise is attributed partly to the surge in artificial intelligence and large language models, which have made it easier to automate both helpful and harmful online functions.

While some bots serve positive roles—such as aiding search engine indexing or enhancing customer service—cybercriminals are increasingly using them for high-stakes exploits. With the help of AI, malicious bots can mimic human behavior more effectively, bypass traditional security systems, and adapt quickly to changing defenses. Experts warn that this makes bot-driven attacks harder to detect and more dangerous than ever before.

Ticket scalping is a familiar example of bots at work. Automated systems can snatch up tickets for popular events before real users have a chance, allowing scalpers to resell them at inflated prices. Bots are also being used for credential stuffing, DDoS attacks, and scanning systems for vulnerabilities. The automation and profitability of these activities have made them a preferred method for hackers and cybercriminals.

The threat from bots is only expected to increase. As more devices connect to the internet and more software becomes integrated across platforms, malicious bots will continue to exploit gaps in security. With generative AI, bots can now simulate authentic user behavior on websites, flood platforms with spam, and even generate content that is difficult to distinguish from that of real users. Experts warn of a coming wave of “AI slop”—low-quality, AI-generated content that could drown out meaningful online interactions.

Detecting these bots can be extremely difficult. Most operate behind the scenes, interacting with systems in ways invisible to users. Those bots that do engage with humans often do so by impersonating real people. However, telltale signs—such as unusual posting patterns, stolen or generic profile images, and odd speech or visual cues—can sometimes help users recognize them. AI-generated images and voices often exhibit small anomalies that trained eyes and ears can detect.

Businesses are especially vulnerable. Malicious bots can probe public-facing systems, login portals, and APIs for weaknesses, aiming to breach internal networks and access sensitive data. Without robust bot mitigation measures, organizations risk falling victim to automated attacks. Experts recommend using tools such as multi-factor authentication, CAPTCHA systems, behavioral monitoring, and traffic filtering to counter these threats. Educating employees to recognize bot-driven phishing and fraud is also critical to maintaining a strong security posture.

Ultimately, as AI-powered bots become more advanced, the challenge of distinguishing legitimate from malicious activity online will only intensify. Combating this threat requires a mix of smart technology, vigilant users, and proactive cybersecurity strategies.