Google and its partners have disrupted the IPIDEA proxy network, believed to be one of the largest residential proxy networks. The operation involved legal actions, sharing of technical intelligence, and enhanced security measures to protect users and limit the network's capabilities. This network has been linked to various malicious activities, including botnets and cyber espionage.

The Kimwolf botnet has compromised over 2 million Android devices, primarily targeting streaming boxes to turn them into residential proxies. Recent reports detail its expansion and connection to a network of compromised routers, which allows threat actors to conduct DDoS attacks and sell proxy services. Cybersecurity firms have identified significant increases in bot activity and vulnerabilities in residential proxy networks.