The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a public alert warning Americans about a growing cyber threat, specifically targeting internet-connected devices in homes, including smart TVs, digital projectors, and aftermarket vehicle infotainment systems.
Criminals are exploiting these devices to gain unauthorized access to home networks, often through pre-loaded malicious software or hidden backdoors. The infected devices then become part of the BADBOX 2.0 botnet, which is used to access residential proxy services without consumers’ knowledge.
The FBI notes that this botnet is a successor to the original BADBOX campaign, which was disrupted in 2024 after being discovered in 2023. The updated campaign now infects devices via unofficial app marketplaces.
Cyber criminals are using these infected devices to sell or offer free access to compromised home networks, enabling various illegal online activities. To mitigate this risk, consumers can assess their IoT devices connected to home networks, disconnect any suspicious devices, avoid downloading apps from unofficial sources, and keep software updated.
Source: https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/badbox-2-0-botnet-alert-fbi-warns-smart-tvs-digital-device-may-have-exploit