**As Humanoid Robots Enter the Mainstream, Security Pros Flag the Risk of Botnets on Legs**

The rise of humanoid robots is no longer a science fiction fantasy. With Morgan Stanley predicting robot revenue could surpass $5 trillion by 2050 and major carmakers like BMW, Toyota, Tesla, and Hyundai (which also owns Boston Dynamics) developing these bipedal machines, security experts are sounding the alarm about the potential risks.

According to Joseph Rooke, risk insights director at Recorded Future's Insikt Group, building security into these robots "is imperative." With 3 billion of these robots expected to be in use by 2060, as forecasted by BofA Global Research, the worst-case scenario from a security perspective would be an "I, Robot" situation with no coming back, Rooke warns.

Botnets in physical form is now a reality. In a report published this week, Rooke outlines the potential fallout of not taking these precautionary measures immediately and predicts a new industry dedicated to securing these robots will emerge in the next decade.

**The Perfect Storm for Robot Security Risks**

Rooke identifies three factors that combine to form the "perfect storm" for embodied AI systems. First, we already use robotics in factories, and now we're developing walking ones. Second, these robots have the means to learn and adapt like their server-based AI counterparts. And third, global population decline combined with an aging population is expected to lead to labor shortages, making technology, including robots, a necessity.

"You've got robotics, you've got AI, and now you've got the need," Rooke said. "It's the perfect storm for this to just skyrocket."

**Security Risks in the Age of Humanoid Robots**

Rooke points out that like any internet-connected device, robots are vulnerable to cyberattacks, including hijacking, data leaks, long-term espionage and IP theft, putting users, companies, and their suppliers at risk. While Recorded Future hasn't reported any robotics firm breaches, its threat hunters have been tracking Chinese government-sponsored spy groups targeting defense, electronics, and manufacturing companies.

"I don't have specific evidence of them going after robotics, although absolutely it's their MO," Rooke said. "If your sector is listed in China's 15th five-year plan, you're basically being given a heads-up."

**A New Industry for Robot Security**

Rooke expects to see a new crop of companies emerge specifically designed to secure humanoid robots – so mark your calendars for RSAC bingo card in 2030 and beyond. These machines are essentially IoT devices with embedded AI systems, making them vulnerable to co-opted "eyes" and "ears" that could be used for nefarious purposes.

Rooke's prediction? "IoT on steroids."