Source URL: https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2025/07/google-sues-the-badbox-botnet-operators.html
Source: Schneier on Security
Title: Google Sues the Badbox Botnet Operators
Feedly Summary: It will be interesting to watch what will come of this private lawsuit:
Google on Thursday announced filing a lawsuit against the operators of the Badbox 2.0 botnet, which has ensnared more than 10 million devices running Android open source software.
These devices lack Google’s security protections, and the perpetrators pre-installed the Badbox 2.0 malware on them, to create a backdoor and abuse them for large-scale fraud and other illicit schemes.
This reminds me of Meta’s lawauit against Pegasus over its hack-for-hire software (which I wrote about …
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text discusses Google’s lawsuit against the operators of the Badbox 2.0 botnet, which affects over 10 million Android devices lacking necessary security protections. This highlights ongoing concerns regarding IoT and mobile security, as well as the diminishing effectiveness of traditional regulatory frameworks.
Detailed Description: Google has taken a significant step by initiating legal action against those responsible for the Badbox 2.0 botnet, which has compromised a vast number of devices running on Android’s open-source software. The identification of these insecure devices underscores critical issues around information security in the realm of mobile technology.
– **Background on Badbox 2.0**:
– The botnet has affected more than 10 million devices.
– Devices involved do not utilize Google’s security protections.
– **Nature of the Malware**:
– The Badbox 2.0 malware is pre-installed on devices.
– It creates backdoors for large-scale fraud and other criminal activities.
– **Implications for Information Security and Compliance**:
– This lawsuit illustrates a growing trend of private companies taking on roles traditionally held by government regulators, particularly in cybersecurity.
– It raises questions about the adequacy of current regulations governing hardware and software security.
– The situation reflects a larger need for improved security measures and compliance protocols in the mobile and IoT sectors.
– **Comparison with Other Cases**:
– The mention of Meta’s lawsuit against Pegasus highlights a similar initiative where tech companies are stepping in to combat security threats in the absence of strong government intervention.
This ongoing situation could serve as a catalyst for enhanced scrutiny of device security practices and reveal potential gaps in existing regulations that govern the IT and software industries, making it a timely topic for professionals in security, compliance, and infrastructure.