Another alternative model besides linear would be quadratic (or another X^(1+epsilon) polynomial where epsilon is small). This would avoid the problem of negative data and likely fit the data better than an exponential.
I think the question is really about the growth of volume of connected, compromised devices. Growth curves are often sigmoid shaped, meaning, exponential until they're not. The exponential is often great for modeling growth trends up until the plateau, but it's hard to know when the corner will turn.
Exponentials are also well motivated by differential equations... (Say, if you're modeling growth of IOT devices based on word of mouth.) Polynomials with degree 1+epsilon, less so.
I think the question is really about the growth of volume of connected, compromised devices. Growth curves are often sigmoid shaped, meaning, exponential until they're not. The exponential is often great for modeling growth trends up until the plateau, but it's hard to know when the corner will turn.
Exponentials are also well motivated by differential equations... (Say, if you're modeling growth of IOT devices based on word of mouth.) Polynomials with degree 1+epsilon, less so.