Story perspectives

Google Disrupts Major Proxy Network Hijacking 9 Million Devices

2/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Google’s Threat Intelligence Group disrupted a major residential proxy network linked to IPIDEA, hijacking around 9 million Android devices and other gadgets.
The network embedded software development kits (SDKs) in more than 600 apps, enabling cybercriminals to route internet traffic through users’ devices.
Google took legal action to seize control of the network, updated Play Protect to detect malicious apps, and advised users to download apps only from official stores.

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Story summary

Google’s Threat Intelligence Group disrupted a major residential proxy network linked to IPIDEA, hijacking around 9 million Android devices and other gadgets.
The network embedded software development kits (SDKs) in more than 600 apps, enabling cybercriminals to route internet traffic through users’ devices.
Google took legal action to seize control of the network, updated Play Protect to detect malicious apps, and advised users to download apps only from official stores.