2 Million Android Devices Were Secretly Turned Into Hacking Tools: Check Your Devices

A joint operation involving Google shut down NetNut, a service that secretly infected 2 million Android devices around the world. These infected devices included smart TVs, streaming boxes, and other Android gadgets. The service was using these devices as a proxy network, meaning it routed other people's internet traffic through them without the owners knowing or giving permission.

If you own an Android TV, streaming box, or other Android-powered device, it may have been affected. The devices were compromised and used to relay internet traffic for NetNut's customers.

This means your internet connection was being used by strangers, which could slow down your speeds and potentially expose you to liability if someone used your connection for illegal activities. Google has now disrupted the network and cut off access to these compromised devices.

Here is what to do right now. First, restart all your Android devices including smart TVs, streaming boxes, and set-top boxes by unplugging them, waiting 30 seconds, and plugging them back in. Second, check for software updates on each device and install them immediately. Go to Settings, then look for System or About, then Software Update. Third, review what apps are installed on these devices. Remove any apps you do not recognize or did not intentionally install. Fourth, if possible, perform a factory reset on any Android streaming device you suspect might be compromised, but note this will erase your settings and you will need to set it up again. Going forward, only install apps from official sources like the Google Play Store. Avoid sideloading apps from unknown websites. Keep all your devices updated with the latest software. Be cautious about what you connect to your home network, and consider changing your Wi-Fi password if you suspect a device was compromised. These habits protect not just individual devices but your entire home network.