Google Disrupts IPIDEA — One of the World's Largest Residential Proxy Networks
30.01.2026
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Google dismantled IPIDEA, a residential proxy network used by 550+ threat groups to hijack millions of consumer devices for cybercrime and espionage.
Google just nuked one of the world's biggest proxy networks — and it was a total crime hub
Google's Threat Analysis Group (TAG) just took down IPIDEA — a massive residential proxy service that was basically a criminal superhighway. This wasn't some small-time operation — we're talking about one of the largest networks of its kind, with millions of hijacked devices worldwide.
The craziest part? Over 550 different threat groups were using this thing. We're talking state-sponsored hackers, ransomware crews, fraud rings — all hiding behind legitimate-looking residential IPs from actual people's devices.
Here's how the scam worked: IPIDEA would secretly install proxy software on people's devices — think Android phones, smart TVs, IoT gadgets — often through sketchy apps or malware. Users had zero clue their devices were being rented out to criminals.
- • 550+ threat groups using the service
- • Millions of consumer devices compromised
- • Global operation with servers worldwide
- • Used for everything from credential stuffing to espionage
Google didn't just shut down the servers — they went after the entire infrastructure. They're working with ISPs and law enforcement globally to clean up infected devices and track down the operators.
The timing is perfect too — this comes right as global law enforcement is cracking down on proxy networks. Remember the 911 S5 takedown last year? This is that energy, but bigger.
Residential proxy networks like IPIDEA provide threat actors with the anonymity they need to conduct malicious activities while appearing to be legitimate users. By disrupting this service, we're removing a critical tool from their arsenal.
Bottom line: If you've got any sketchy apps on your phone or weird IoT devices, now's the time for a security check. And if you're a threat actor who relied on IPIDEA... well, time to find a new day job.
#malware#cybersecurity#cybercrime#cyber espionage#proxy networks
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