> have the EA people actually done something so far?
In terms of stuff done: OpenPhil, an EA org, has given north of $30million to groups researching strong AI and its risks[0]. Some effective altruists also choose to donate to AI research groups like MIRI[1].
Why would stopping a botnet be evidence of effectiveness at tackling strong AI? Botnets don't exhibit any kind of intelligence as far as I'm aware.
0. http://www.openphilanthropy.org/giving/grants
1. http://effective-altruism.com/ea/14c/why_im_donating_to_miri...