What was the IPIDEA residential proxy network?

IPIDEA was one of the world's largest residential proxy networks that allowed attackers to route internet traffic through hijacked consumer IP addresses.

How does a residential proxy network pose a threat?

These networks enable attackers to mask malicious activity and bypass security defenses by routing traffic through hijacked consumer IP addresses.

Home / Technology / Google Dismantles Major Proxy Network

Google Dismantles Major Proxy Network

Q: What action did Google take against IPIDEA?

Google seized domains used to control compromised devices and implemented automatic protections for Android users through Google Play Protect.

29 Jan

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Summary

Google's operation targeted the large IPIDEA residential proxy network.
The network rerouted traffic through hijacked consumer IP addresses.
Millions of devices are now protected from cybercriminal exploitation.

Google announced on Wednesday that it has dismantled IPIDEA, a major residential proxy network, to safeguard millions of consumer devices from exploitation. The operation, led by Google Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG), successfully seized domains controlling compromised devices and implemented automatic protections for Android users via Google Play Protect. This action has significantly degraded IPIDEA's network and business operations, reducing the available pool of devices for proxy operators by millions.

Residential proxy networks enable attackers to route internet traffic through hijacked consumer IP addresses, effectively masking malicious activities and bypassing security measures. Google identified over 600 Android applications and 3,075 Windows files linked to IPIDEA's command-and-control infrastructure. The company believes its actions have substantially curbed the network's capacity to facilitate cybercriminal and state-sponsored hacking activities.