Cloudflare report: Web growth and bot traffic in 2024
Cloudflare has released its 2024 Year in Review report, a comprehensive look at the biggest trends shaping the internet last year, reports a Kazinform News Agency correspondent.
Since launching in 2020, this annual report uses data from Cloudflare’s vast global network to tell the story of how the online world is evolving.
The insights provide a valuable resource for website owners to understand the forces driving the internet and to better prepare for the future.
Cloudflare’s network spans over 330 cities in 120+ countries, processing millions of HTTP and DNS requests every second. This data powers insights into trends like AI bot activity, browser usage, and even the riskiest top-level domains (TLDs). The 2024 year’s report goes further than past editions by adding new metrics such as connection tampering incidents and AI trends.
“Efforts to combat bot traffic require consistent monitoring of server infrastructures involved in bot networks, closing vulnerabilities, and applying stricter controls on server rentals in data centers. Unfortunately, this is a challenge not only in developed countries but also globally,” notes Diaz Rakhimzhanov, Head of Support for the Security Operations Center and Service Department at LLP “Middle Comm.”
Understanding these trends—like where traffic is growing, how users access content, and which devices are most popular—can help optimize website strategies for 2025. For example, global web traffic grew by 17.2% in 2024, continuing a strong upward trend. Growth was particularly notable in the second half of the year, especially from August to November. Google remains the most popular web service, while Facebook, WhatsApp, Binance, and OpenAI led their respective categories. Mobile traffic accounts for 41.3% of global web traffic, though in some countries, this figure exceeds 70%.
“Bot traffic has become a business in itself. Platforms exist where services like DDoS attacks can be purchased, making it accessible even to inexperienced users. This accessibility, combined with the scale of global server infrastructure, creates a fertile environment for malicious activity,” adds Diaz.
The U.S. leads as the largest source of bot traffic, accounting for over one-third of the global volume. This is attributed to the high concentration of server infrastructure and major data centers in the U.S., which are prime targets for hackers. Aspiring cybercriminals often set ambitious goals, such as hacking the Pentagon. Despite its advanced security, vulnerabilities always exist in any infrastructure, making it an appealing target.
“It’s worth noting that no infrastructure is entirely secure. Attackers often infiltrate data centers discreetly, moving horizontally within the infrastructure and implanting scripts to generate bot traffic. This dynamic poses an ongoing challenge for cybersecurity professionals,” explains Diaz.
Over the past two years, malicious bot traffic has grown significantly, now accounting for 40–60% of global internet traffic. For businesses, especially those operating online, service downtime caused by bot activity can result in financial and reputational losses. Organizations like second-tier banks and fintech companies are becoming more proactive, investing in security and protection against bot networks and DDoS attacks.
AI has also reshaped the cyber threat landscape. Cybercriminals use AI to automate tasks like crafting phishing attacks and bypassing security systems, making attacks more sophisticated. However, AI also enhances defenses, enabling faster attack detection and proactive measures to prevent threats.
“AI is a double-edged sword,” says Diaz. “While it complicates the work of cybersecurity professionals, it also strengthens defenses by predicting potential threats and enabling faster responses. Its impact depends on whose hands it’s in—a reality we must adapt to as AI evolves.”
The 2024 year’s Cloudflare report highlights the dynamic nature of the internet and provides actionable insights for website owners to navigate these challenges. Whether it’s understanding the role of emerging markets, optimizing for mobile, or tracking AI trends, the lessons from 2024 pave the way for a better-prepared 2025.
