Tech giants file lawsuits against hackers allegedly involved in a significant Android scam operation
In a significant move, tech giant Google has filed a lawsuit against 25 unnamed individuals in China, accusing them of creating and operating the BadBox 2.0 botnet. The botnet, which has infected over 10 million Android-based devices, including TV streaming boxes, tablets, projectors, and car infotainment systems, is alleged to have been used for activities like large-scale ad fraud, click fraud, and selling access to infected devices for criminal purposes.
The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, aims to seek damages for Google's financial losses and reputation, as well as to disrupt the criminal operation behind the botnet. However, due to jurisdictional challenges with China, it is unlikely that the individuals will be extradited or held accountable in U.S. courts.
The BadBox 2.0 botnet is believed to have been primarily built on devices running the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) without Google Play Protect security. Hackers are reported to have loaded malware onto the devices before they were sold or sneaked it in during setup through shady apps with hidden backdoors.
Google's Play Protect now automatically blocks anything linked to BadBox 2.0, and the company is pouring time and resources into tracking and shutting down the botnet. If a device is found on the list, it is advisable to disconnect it immediately.
The BadBox malware operates in the background, silently faking ad clicks without tipping off the user. This covert activity has been causing damage to Google's reputation and cutting into its profits. The botnet has also been used to run shady cyber schemes, including widespread ad fraud.
Infected IoT devices can be roped into the BadBox 2.0 botnet or used as residential proxies, often tied to sketchy online activity. Google claims it is stuck footing the bill for fake ad traffic due to the botnet.
As the case unfolds, Google hopes to bring the perpetrators to justice and protect its users from such malicious activities. The company urges users to ensure their devices are secure and up-to-date, and to be vigilant against any suspicious activity.
The lawsuit filed by Google in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, targets 25 unnamed individuals in China for creating and operating the BadBox 2.0 botnet, which has been used for cybercrime activities such as ad fraud and selling access to infected devices. This botnet, believed to have been primarily built on devices running Android Open Source Project (AOSP) without Google Play Protect security, has caused significant financial losses and damage to Google's reputation in the realm of general-news and crime-and-justice technology sectors.
