Millions of Smart TVs and Devices Hijacked by a Sneaky Global Cyber Army
Security experts have discovered a massive group of hacked devices that are being secretly controlled by cybercriminals and used to cause trouble on the internet. This group of infected machines — over 1.8 million Android-based devices like smart TVs, set-top boxes, and tablets — has been turned into a “botnet,” which is a network of devices controlled without the owners’ knowledge.
Once a device is part of this botnet, its internet connection can be used to launch attacks that overwhelm other websites or services with huge amounts of traffic. These attacks, called “DDoS attacks,” are like flooding a store’s entrance with so many people that no actual customers can get in. In this case, the flooded targets can include important services or websites that people rely on every day.
This botnet is called Kimwolf, and researchers say it grew so large that at one point the computer servers controlling it suddenly became some of the most visited addresses on the internet — even more than popular sites like Google for a short time. Many of the infected devices are cheap or uncertified Android products that don’t get regular security updates, which makes them easier for criminals to take over.
Experts also believe that Kimwolf may be connected to another well-known botnet, meaning the same group of criminals may be behind both. Because the malware running on the infected devices can do more than just launch attacks — it can also act as a proxy or allow remote access — the hackers have multiple ways to misused the devices and potentially make money from them.
The botnet’s reach is truly global, with devices compromised all around the world. This kind of large-scale infection shows how vulnerable everyday gadgets with internet connections can be if they don’t have strong security built in.
For most people, the best way to stay safe is to buy devices from reputable brands that receive regular updates, avoid downloading unofficial software or apps, and make sure your home Wi-Fi network is secure. Keeping things updated and using trusted products helps reduce the chances that your devices could be hijacked and used in harmful ways without you ever knowing it.
