Just when we thought we’d heard the last of the mirai botnet, it’s back—and meaner than ever. A recent surge in botnet activity has reignited concerns among cybersecurity experts, especially with newer, mutated versions of Mirai exploiting fresh vulnerabilities in smart devices. This isn’t just a nerdy hacker issue—it’s a wake-up call for anyone with a Wi-Fi-connected doorbell, security cam, or industrial router. And the fact that it’s targeting both consumers and critical infrastructure makes this more than just tech news—it’s frontline defense.
What Happened
The Mirai botnet, once notorious for its massive DDoS attacks back in 2016, has returned in updated forms that are far more aggressive and capable. Researchers recently spotted a campaign dubbed “GayFemboy,” which is built on Mirai code but now targets a broader range of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. This new variant is taking advantage of a security flaw in Wazuh, an open-source security platform, allowing it to infiltrate more systems than ever before.
Meanwhile, Singapore’s Cyber Security Agency (CSA) issued an urgent advisory warning that Mirai-based threats are now actively targeting industrial routers and smart home devices. These aren’t random attacks; they’re coordinated, persistent, and exploit known (but unpatched) vulnerabilities.
Cybersecurity experts from Fortinet, Akamai, and Cloudflare have published extensive breakdowns of how Mirai Botnet spreads, its payload, and how difficult it is to remove once installed. One chilling takeaway: once a device is infected, it can become part of a global army used to shut down websites, overload servers, and mask even more dangerous intrusions.
When and Where
This wave of Mirai-related activity has spiked in Q3 and Q4 of 2025. The threat actors are casting a wide net globally, but Southeast Asia—particularly Singapore—has been a key hotspot. Attack traffic has also been observed in the U.S., parts of Europe, and Australia.
Researchers have pointed out that the timing coincides with the release of several new IoT products and a rise in remote working infrastructure—suggesting attackers are opportunistically targeting new and unprotected devices as they come online.
Who is Involved
The exact identities of the new Mirai operators remain unknown, but several cybersecurity firms—Fortinet, Akamai, and Cloudflare—have released reports confirming the activity. Government agencies such as Singapore’s CSA and independent researchers from the cybersecurity community are tracking the variants and sounding the alarm.
The malware authors themselves are elusive, often operating from countries with limited cybercrime enforcement. However, the structure of the code and its propagation method hint at highly skilled programmers possibly linked to broader cybercriminal networks.
Why It Matters
First, Mirai is no longer just a script kiddie tool. Its latest versions have evolved to exploit complex vulnerabilities in enterprise systems. That’s a huge deal. It means not only your home security camera but also critical infrastructure—like power grids and manufacturing systems—could be under threat.
Second, this botnet doesn’t just crash websites with DDoS attacks. It can be used as a launchpad for other malicious activities, including data theft and lateral network movement. If attackers gain control of enough devices, they can effectively create a zombie army of machines—an arsenal they can wield with devastating consequences.
And third, this is another sign that the cybersecurity landscape is shifting fast. With the rise of deepfakes, AI-generated phishing, and state-sponsored hacking campaigns, even old threats like Mirai are evolving to keep up.
In a world where cyber threats are now a daily part of corporate strategy meetings, the Mirai resurgence proves that legacy malware can still be extremely relevant—especially when updated with modern capabilities. Companies that once dismissed these threats as old news are now revisiting their vulnerability assessments.
Quotes or Statements
Fortinet’s threat intelligence team put it plainly in a recent blog post: “The resilience and adaptability of the Mirai botnet is a warning shot to the entire industry. Ignoring outdated devices or missing a Windows Update is no longer just an IT issue—it’s a potential security catastrophe.”
Singapore’s CSA added, “We strongly advise all organizations and consumers to patch their IoT devices immediately and avoid using default passwords.”
Cybersecurity consultant Lara Kim noted, “Many organizations are investing in fancy tools but forgetting the basics. Change your router password, segment your network, and monitor traffic. That’s your first line of defense.”
Lessons Learned
One of the biggest takeaways from this resurgence is that simplicity can still be deadly. The Mirai botnet thrives on weak or default passwords and unpatched systems—basic stuff that shouldn’t be slipping through the cracks in 2025.
Another lesson? Security isn’t just about the cloud or the latest encryption—it’s about every smart lightbulb, thermostat, and router connected to your network. And for industrial players, the consequences can be catastrophic. Downtime, financial losses, and even breaches into operational technology systems are all on the table.
And let’s talk about complacency. The cybersecurity industry has a tendency to chase new shiny objects—blockchain security, quantum encryption, AI firewalls—while sometimes ignoring the persistent risks from old malware that’s been retooled. That has to change.
What You Can Do
Whether you’re a casual user or a corporate IT admin, the time to act is now. Here’s a quick checklist:
- Change default passwords on all smart devices.
- Use multi-factor authentication wherever possible.
- Segment your networks so that IoT devices are isolated from sensitive data.
- Regularly apply firmware updates and patches.
- Monitor for unusual activity using tools like intrusion detection systems.
- Consider investing in security platforms that include IoT threat protection.
And if you’re concerned about privacy, consider using tools like Express VPN to mask network activity, though a VPN alone won’t protect against infected devices on your network.
The Bigger Picture
What we’re seeing with the Mirai botnet is part of a broader trend: malware that adapts. The days of “set it and forget it” cybersecurity are long gone. Attackers are automating, customizing, and scaling their methods. The cybersecurity response must evolve in kind.
We’re also moving into an era where digital and physical security are merging. Compromised IoT devices aren’t just endpoints—they’re entry points. And as we continue building smarter cities and more connected homes, that attack surface will only grow.
Conclusion
The Mirai botnet isn’t dead—it’s morphing. With fresh exploits, a new generation of malware variants, and a wider attack surface, it’s once again a top threat to watch in cybersecurity. As tech grows smarter, the threats grow sharper. Stay updated, patch religiously, and maybe don’t ignore that next router firmware alert. It’s not paranoia—it’s preparation.
Resources
- Akamai. Botnets: Flaw in Mirai Spreads Through Wazuh Vulnerability.
- Cloudflare. Mirai Botnet.
- Fortinet. IoT Malware GayFemboy: Mirai-Based Botnet Campaign.
- Industrial Cyber. Singapore’s CSA Issues Urgent Advisory on Mirai Botnet Threat.
- The Hacker News. Experts Report Sharp Increase in Mirai Botnet Attacks.
