Google said that this network used to turn Android smartphones and Windows computers into internet proxies without their knowledge. With this, hackers could hide their true identity by using the home internet connection of these devices.

What is residential proxy network?

Residential proxy networks are an illegal and unethical technique in which Internet traffic is routed through a person’s device in order to disguise the true source. In this, instead of commercial servers, devices of common people are used, due to which the activity appears like that of a normal user.

Such networks are often used for password theft, account hacking, data scraping and other online frauds. Because the traffic appears to come from a normal home or mobile network, it becomes difficult for security systems to detect it.

Network spread through apps and software

According to Google, this network was spread through many dangerous Android apps and Windows proxy software. These apps were available outside the official app stores and on third party platforms.

These apps had technology that worked continuously in the background and the user was not even aware of it. In many cases, no major change was seen in battery or data usage, due to which users did not get suspicious.

How did Google take action?

GTIG and its partners identified and shut down the command and control servers of this network. For this, along with infrastructure providers and domain registrars, the servers and domains that sent instructions to the infected devices were shut down. Google also said that now its security system has been updated, so that similar networks can be identified quickly in future.

Google has appealed to mobile platforms, internet service providers and tech companies to share information with each other and strengthen security measures to stop such illegal proxy networks.