The rapid growth of IoT applications will make cyberspace mapping technology increasingly important.

The rapid evolution of the global information industry has dramatically transformed the internet. Beyond traditional home broadband, the internet is widely applied in various Internet of Things (IoT) scenarios, such as smart exploration, power control, and starlink internet, serving as a cornerstone for emerging technologies.

Statista's latest data reveals that around 15.9 billion IoT devices were operational globally in 2023. This number is skyrocketing, with projections indicating it will reach a staggering 39.6 billion by 2033, surpassing the global population by a factor of five.

The widespread adoption of the internet has significantly enhanced productivity, but the global information industry is now facing a major challenge due to the explosive growth of internet and IoT devices. Accurately monitoring these devices and mitigating security risks is paramount in today's digital landscape. In recent years, the frequent occurrences of internet supply chain attacks have caused substantial losses, exacerbating global concerns. Against this backdrop, global internet asset mapping platforms, such as Shodan, Censys, and ZoomEye, have emerged as vital tools for protecting the digital world. These platforms have gained significant popularity among large professional user bases, including governments and research institutions. Cybersecurity experts often use these platforms to assess the impact of global security vulnerabilities. In a 2020 research report, security expert Walid Salame highlighted the powerful capabilities of these platforms, which offer a comprehensive view of the internet infrastructure by continuously monitoring data across global IT networks.

Over the past decade, the companies behind these platforms have built significant competitive barriers through massive investments, data accumulation, and advanced analytics. This has solidified their position as global leaders in this field. Their advantages are expected to grow stronger in the future. Shodan and Censys were both founded in the United States, while ZoomEye was established in China by Knownsec. In 2021, Knownsec was added to the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) list. The intense focus on this field by major powers in both the East and West has also attracted the attention of venture capitalists. For example, in 2022, Censys raised $35 million in Series B funding, led by Intel Capital.

In recent years, the frequent occurrence of cyber warfare in modern conflicts has highlighted its significance. Cyberattacks have become a common tactic, with adversaries achieving strategic goals by infiltrating critical infrastructure, stealing sensitive data, and disrupting communication networks. Given this context, the ability to map cyberspace has become particularly vital. It allows governments and businesses to swiftly identify security weaknesses and prevent potential cyberattacks, thus safeguarding national security and economic stability.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly advancing globally, and its integration into cyberspace mapping is poised to significantly enhance the efficiency and accuracy of discovering and identifying cyber assets. This development will enable more intelligent and comprehensive monitoring and management of global internet assets. In the face of global software supply chain attacks, this enhanced intelligence will improve the ability to mitigate damage, making defense more feasible.