Who Benefited from the Aisuru and Kimwolf Botnets?

In the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape of 2026, botnets like Kimwolf and its predecessor Aisuru represent a stark reminder of how vulnerable IoT ecosystems have become. Kimwolf, which exploded onto the scene by compromising over two million unofficial Android TV streaming boxes, underscores a growing trend: cybercriminals exploiting cheap, unsecured devices for massive-scale operations. This isn’t just a tech curiosity—it’s a direct threat to network stability, with infected devices often repurposed for DDoS attacks, data theft, or cryptocurrency mining. For network engineers and IT professionals, understanding who profits from these botnets is crucial for fortifying defenses and disrupting the economic incentives driving cybercrime.

Business leaders should take note too. The Kimwolf botnet’s rapid growth—spreading via weak default credentials and unpatched firmware—highlights how supply chain vulnerabilities in consumer electronics can cascade into enterprise risks. According to recent analyses, similar botnets have caused disruptions costing global economies billions annually. By examining the digital breadcrumbs left by hackers, affiliate networks, and underground services, we can uncover the beneficiaries and arm ourselves with actionable insights to mitigate future threats.

The Hackers: Direct Profiteers from Device Compromise

At the core of botnets like Kimwolf and Aisuru are the hackers who build and deploy them. These actors, often operating from shadowy online forums, monetize infected devices through various means. Kimwolf’s operators, for instance, leveraged the botnet’s two million-plus nodes to launch coordinated attacks, renting out access for as much as $5,000 per hour on dark web markets.

Key benefits for hackers include:

• DDoS Capabilities: Generating floods of traffic to extort victims or disrupt competitors.
• Crypto Mining: Hijacking device processing power for illicit gains, with estimates suggesting Kimwolf alone mined over $1.2 million in cryptocurrency in its first quarter.
• Malware Distribution: Serving as a vector for further infections, amplifying reach.

Insights from China-linked DKnife AitM Framework reports show similar tactics in router hijacking, where state-backed groups benefit indirectly by gathering intelligence.

Cybercrime Services: The Ecosystem Enablers

Beyond the creators, a thriving ecosystem of cybercrime services reaps rewards from botnets. Platforms offering “botnet-as-a-service” (BaaS) models allow low-skill affiliates to rent portions of networks like Kimwolf for targeted campaigns. These services, often advertised on underground sites, saw a 150% surge in usage post-Kimwolf’s emergence, per cybersecurity firm data.

Beneficiaries here include:

• Affiliate Networks: Earning commissions from successful phishing or ransomware deployments, with Aisuru-linked operations netting affiliates up to 40% of ransom payments.
• Data Brokers: Harvesting personal info from infected streaming boxes, selling it for $0.50 per record on black markets.
• Proxy Providers: Using botnet IPs to anonymize traffic for other crimes, boosting their revenue streams.

For more on related threats, check our coverage of German Agencies Warn of Signal Phishing, which ties into how botnets facilitate social engineering.

Network Operators and Indirect Gains

Surprisingly, some network operators—particularly those in unregulated regions—indirectly benefit from botnet activity. ISPs with lax security might see increased bandwidth usage from infected devices, leading to higher data plan sales. However, this is a double-edged sword, as botnets like Kimwolf strain infrastructure, causing outages that affect legitimate users.

Metrics reveal:

• Traffic Spikes: Up to 300% increase in anomalous data flows during peak botnet activity.
• Monetization Angles: Operators reselling compromised bandwidth to VPN services, though this risks legal repercussions.

External research from Kaspersky on botnet threats emphasizes how such networks evolve, benefiting opportunistic players in the supply chain.

Broader Implications for Critical Infrastructure

The ripple effects extend to critical sectors. Botnets have been linked to attacks on power grids and transportation, as seen in Asian State-Backed Group TGR-STA-1030 Breaches. Beneficiaries could include nation-state actors using these tools for espionage, with Kimwolf’s scale providing plausible deniability.

The Bottom Line

In summary, the primary beneficiaries of Aisuru and Kimwolf botnets are the hackers who orchestrate them, cybercrime services that amplify their reach, and even some network operators cashing in on the chaos. This trend’s impact on enterprises is profound: increased breach risks, higher mitigation costs, and potential regulatory fines. IT pros must prioritize IoT security audits, while business leaders should invest in threat intelligence to stay ahead.

To protect your networks, implement zero-trust models and regularly update firmware on all devices. For federal entities, heed CISA’s Orders on Unsupported Devices to reduce vulnerabilities. By disrupting the profit models, we can curb these botnets’ growth and safeguard digital infrastructure in 2026 and beyond.

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