The internet

Evolution and how it supports the modern workplace

Over the past 20 years, the internet has undergone a profound transformation, moving from a primarily desktop-centric Web 1.0 to the ubiquitous, high-speed, and mobile-first Web 2.0 era.

For those of us that remember the dial-up modem experience, the internet has been on a fast lane journey in the last three decades.

The core developments that have driven this change include a massive increase in bandwidth and speed (from dial-up/slow broadband to fibre and 4G/5G mobile networks), the widespread adoption of mobile devices (smartphones and tablets), and the rise of cloud computing.

These advancements made it possible to stream high-definition video, store vast amounts of data remotely, and access complex applications from anywhere. And the emergence of Social Media and user-generated content has also significantly changed how people communicate and collaborate.

Underpinning the modern workplace

This evolution is the bedrock of modern remote and hybrid working models. Cloud-based productivity suites (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft 365) allow simultaneous document collaboration, regardless of geographic location. High-quality video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Teams) turn distributed teams into functional virtual offices, facilitating real-time communication and complex decision-making.

Furthermore, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and advanced security protocols ensure that employees can securely access proprietary company data from their home networks. The combination of faster, more reliable connections, mobile accessibility, and powerful cloud applications has made the distinction between working in the office and working remotely largely one of preference, not capability.

So how is the internet faring up in 2025?

The 2025 State of the Internet Report

In this annual report, Censys examine adversary infrastructure—the hidden backbone of cybercrime and espionage that allows attackers to scale operations, mask origins, and sustain campaigns.

The report focuses on command-and-control (C2) services and related tools that enable control, lateral movement, and data exfiltration. Drawing from real-world incidents, it identifies structural patterns across infrastructure - where it resides, how long it persists, and how signals reveal continuity even as services shift.

>The 2025 State of the Internet Report
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