When it comes to cybersecurity, it’s not only your computer or phone that you need to be wary of. Google’s recent detection of an IoT botnet, named BadBox 2.0, has prompted the tech giant to take legal measures against those responsible for its spread.

Key Findings

Researchers from Human Security and Trend Micro recently discovered this botnet, which has purportedly infiltrated over 10 million Android devices, encompassing unexpected gadgets such as digital picture frames.

In light of this crisis, the FBI has issued a public service announcement underscoring the threats posed by this botnet:

“Cyber criminals gain unauthorized access to home networks through compromised IoT devices… Most of the infected devices were manufactured in China.”

This botnet isn’t merely a nuisance; it facilitates programmatic ad fraud, click fraud, and various other cyber crimes.

Fortunately, Google has deployed its Ad Traffic Quality team to mitigate the threat, improving Google Play Protect to automatically block apps associated with BadBox. Their lawsuit aims to dismantle the operation behind this botnet, preventing further criminal activities.

As the investigation into BadBox 2.0 reveals, consumers should take caution, especially when acquiring cheaper IoT devices, which may come with significant cybersecurity risks.