Google Takes Down Massive Malicious Proxy Network, Millions of Zombie Devices

Google has a deeply-vested interest in cybersecurity and unparalleled resources to take down bad actors. The latest target on Google's kill list was a malicious proxy network called IPIDEA, and through coordinated efforts inside and outside of Google's umbrella, IPIDEA has been taken down. However, cybercriminals are a notoriously resourceful and persistent bunch, so Google also saw fit to share extensive documentation of its discoveries, so that everyone can take the right measures to keep malicious proxy networks like IPIDEA in the ground.

If you're familiar with botnets, you already understand most of what a malicious proxy network is. A botnet describes a large number of compromised devices being used (often without the knowledge of their owners) for malicious purposes, i.e. password breaking and DDOS attacks. A malicious proxy network also involves a large number of compromised devices, and compromised networks specifically, where a broadband connection ...