I’ve always thought that botnets were composed of virus infected computers like home PC’s. What I hadn’t considered is that botnets can be made of any internet connected computing device. This includes things like security cameras, digital video recorders (DVR’s), routers and printers.
What Bruce argues for is regulation to require security patches for internet connected devices. I’m not sure that I agree with that suggestion, but what it does bring to light is the insecurity inherent in our current “internet of things” environment where you can connect many new electronics to your home WiFi network.
See also: KrebsOnSecurity Hit With Record DDoS and Who Makes the IoT Things Under Attack?