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Cybercriminals Hijacked android Devices for Ad Fraud and covert Operations
A sophisticated botnet, dubbed “badbox 2.0,” has been dismantled following a collaborative inquiry by Google,HUMAN Security,and Trend Micro. This malicious network compromised numerous Android-powered devices, including streaming boxes and smart TVs, turning them into tools for illicit activities.
Once activated and connected to the internet, these devices were secretly integrated into a criminal network. A significant portion of the compromised devices were exploited to perpetrate large-scale ad fraud. This involved simulating fake ad clicks, thereby defrauding advertisers and siphoning funds. Other devices were repurposed and sold as part of “residential proxy” services. This allowed malicious actors to reroute their online traffic through the home networks of unsuspecting users, effectively masking their true origins and activities behind the user’s legitimate IP address.
Google’s Ad Traffic Quality team initially detected the suspicious activity, taking steps to block fraudulent traffic and deactivate thousands of accounts attempting to profit from the scheme. In response, Google Play Protect has been updated to identify and block applications exhibiting BadBox behavior, even those installed from sources outside the official Play store.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has also issued a public advisory, urging consumers to inspect their connected devices for any signs of unauthorized access or unusual operations. Particular caution is advised for hardware acquired from lesser-known brands or devices that required the disabling of Google Play Protect during their initial setup. The FBI noted that a majority of the compromised devices were manufactured in China and either came with pre-installed malware or became infected shortly after setup through malicious applications downloaded from unofficial app stores.
Google’s legal action aims to hold the individuals responsible for orchestrating this operation accountable.While the company’s security measures successfully mitigated the impact of the botnet, this incident serves as a stark reminder that the true cost of inexpensive streaming devices may extend beyond the initial purchase price.
