The FBI recently disrupted a major network of hacked devices, or botnets, but the takedown freed up tens of thousands of machines that were quickly seized by new operators, creating even more powerful cyberattack tools.

Botnets like the rival Aisuru are now capable of record-breaking distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, targeting not just websites but potentially entire networks and countries.

These networks, made up of internet-connected devices such as routers, cameras, and smart TVs, can reach tens of millions of devices, making them far more dangerous than traditional PC-based botnets, the Wall Street Journal has reported.

Experts warn that with growing global reliance on digital infrastructure, such botnets could be used for massive disruption, cyber warfare, or ransomware attacks.