A hot potato: The resurgence of BadBox 2.0 poses new risks that consumers should be aware of. As unregulated, low-cost IoT devices become increasingly common in households around the world, it’s essential to understand the potential dangers they present.

A new wave of cyberattacks is targeting household technology, as the FBI has issued a warning about the resurgence of the BadBox 2.0 botnet. This sophisticated network of compromised Internet of Things devices is being exploited by cybercriminals to infiltrate home networks on a massive scale, raising fresh concerns about the security of everyday smart devices. The campaign’s global footprint spans more than 220 countries and territories, with infections reported in everything from budget streaming boxes to uncertified digital photo frames.

The original BadBox operation first came to light in 2023, when security researchers discovered that certain Android-based devices – primarily off-brand, low-cost gadgets not certified by Google Play Protect – were being sold with malware embedded directly in their firmware. These devices, often manufactured in China and shipped worldwide, included streaming boxes, digital projectors, and even vehicle infotainment systems.

While the initial BadBox campaign was partially disrupted in 2024 through coordinated action by cybersecurity firms, tech companies, and international law enforcement (including a joint operation between German authorities and Google), the threat quickly adapted. The botnet evolved to bypass many of the countermeasures deployed against it, signaling a dangerous new phase in IoT-focused cybercrime.

BadBox 2.0, the latest iteration of the botnet, has proven even more insidious than its predecessor. While the original version primarily infected devices during manufacturing, BadBox 2.0 can compromise hardware both at the factory and after it reaches consumers. Devices may arrive with firmware-level backdoors already installed or become infected during initial setup if users download apps from unofficial marketplaces.

Security analysts have identified at least four interconnected groups behind the botnet – SalesTracker, MoYu, Lemon, and LongTV – each specializing in a different phase of the operation, from malware distribution to monetizing stolen data.

Once a device is compromised, it becomes part of a sprawling botnet. Cybercriminals use these infected endpoints as residential proxies, allowing them to route illicit activity through home networks and obscure their true origins. In addition to facilitating ad fraud and DDoS attacks, the botnet enables credential stuffing to hijack online accounts, intercepts one-time passwords for financial fraud, and deploys malicious code to further expand its network. The malware’s ability to execute arbitrary commands gives attackers the flexibility to repurpose infected devices for virtually any cybercriminal goal.

The roots of BadBox trace back to earlier malware such as Triada, a sophisticated Android Trojan first discovered in 2016. Triada was known for deeply embedding itself into systems and evading detection. Over the years, its tactics have evolved into the modern supply chain attacks seen in BadBox and BadBox 2.0. This lineage helps explain the botnet’s resilience and adaptability, built on nearly a decade of development and refinement.

Detecting a BadBox 2.0 infection is difficult for most consumers. The malware typically operates silently, with few obvious symptoms. Subtle signs may include the appearance of unfamiliar app stores, unexplained device overheating, or sudden changes to network settings. The FBI warns that devices advertising free access to premium content or marketed as “unlocked” pose a particularly high risk.

If a device is suspected of being infected, users should isolate it from the internet immediately, review all connected devices for unauthorized apps or activity, and consider performing a full reset or replacing the hardware.

To minimize risk, experts recommend:

• Purchasing devices certified by Google Play Protect.

• Avoiding uncertified or off-brand hardware.

• Keeping firmware and apps updated.

• Monitoring home network traffic for anomalies.

• Checking security bulletins for compromised model lists and known indicators of compromise.