⭐⭐Google's Disrupts IPIDEA 922 Proxy: Why & Safe Alternatives⭐⭐

Google and its partners have dismantled a hidden system that was secretly turning millions of personal devices into tools for hackers. The target was IPIDEA (also known as 922Proxy), believed to be one of the world's largest shady proxy networks.

For more details, please read: https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/disrupting-largest-residential-proxy-network

IPIDEA Has Been Shut Down

Unlike legitimate services like Bright Data, Oxylabs, NetNut, Smartproxy, or MoMoProxy that operate transparently, IPIDEA's model was built on deception. It hid code inside normal-looking apps and free VPNs. When users downloaded these, their devices were silently enrolled into a global proxy network. Their home internet was then sold to others, often for malicious purposes.

The Dangerous Reality
While some networks claim to support privacy, Google found IPIDEA was overwhelmingly used by criminals and state-backed hackers to hide their attacks. In just one week, Google tracked over 550 different threat groups using it. For the average user, this meant their device could have been used to launch cyberattacks, potentially getting their IP address blacklisted.

A Web of Fake Brands
IPIDEA hid behind a maze of seemingly independent brands to appear legitimate, including:

Proxy Services: 360 Proxy, 922 Proxy, Luna Proxy, IP2World, ABC Proxy, Cherry Proxy, ipidea, PIA Proxy, PY Proxy, Tab Proxy.
VPNs: Door VPN, Radish VPN, Galleon VPN.
Development Kits: PacketSDK, HexSDK (used to infect apps)

How Google Stopped It
Google took legal action to seize the network's controlling domains. It also ensured Google Play Protect automatically finds and removes infected Android apps. With help from industry partners, Google has significantly degraded IPIDEA's operations, shrinking their network by millions of devices.

How to Stay Safe
This case highlights the risks of "free" or "too-good-to-be-true" services.

Be Skeptical: Avoid apps promising payment for your "unused bandwidth."
Use Official Stores: Download apps only from official platforms like Google Play.
Check Your Devices: Use built-in protections like Google Play Protect.

The disruption of IPIDEA is a critical reminder to be vigilant about what you install.

Choosing a Legitimate Proxy Service
For users who need reliable residential proxies or web scraping services for legitimate business needs (like market research or ad verification), choosing an ethical provider is crucial.

Here are examples of well-known, established providers:

Bright Data: One of the largest, with an extensive residential proxy network built on clear consent.
Oxylabs: Offers enterprise-grade residential and datacenter proxies with strong compliance.
NetNut: Uses ISP networks for high-speed, reliable connections.
MoMoProxy: Specialized in 150M+ Fresh residential proxies for data scraping and ad and other use cases

Get 1GB Free Trial Now!

What makes them legitimate?

Ethical Sourcing: Clear opt-in processes for users who share bandwidth.
Compliance: Robust systems to prevent misuse and adhere to laws.
Transparency: Operate as identifiable businesses with clear terms and support.

Always do your due diligence. Pick a reputable service to ensure you're not supporting the harmful ecosystem that networks like IPIDEA created.