BADBOX 2.0 Botnet alert: FBI warns smart TVs, digital device may have exploit
Cyber criminals are exploiting IoT devices in homes to create a botnet called BADBOX 2.0, enabling illegal online activities.
Most compromised devices are manufactured in China and become infected either pre-loaded with malware or during app downloads containing hidden backdoors.
The FBI advises the public to assess and disconnect suspicious IoT devices, avoid unofficial app sources, and report potential victimization to the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
WASHINGTON - The Federal Bureau of Investigation issued a public alert on Thursday, cautioning Americans about cyber criminals who are exploiting internet-connected devices in homes to conduct illegal activities through a network known as the BADBOX 2.0 botnet.
What we know
According to the FBI, criminals are gaining unauthorized access to home networks by targeting Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as TV streaming boxes, digital projectors, digital picture frames, and aftermarket vehicle infotainment systems. Most of these compromised devices are manufactured in China and are either pre-loaded with malicious software or become infected during setup when users download apps containing hidden backdoors.
Dig deeper
Once compromised, these devices become part of BADBOX 2.0—a botnet comprising millions of infected systems used to access residential proxy services, often without the knowledge of consumers. The FBI noted that BADBOX 2.0 is the successor to the original BADBOX campaign, which was disrupted in 2024 after being discovered in 2023. The initial version primarily targeted Android devices compromised with backdoor malware prior to purchase. The updated campaign now also infects devices via unofficial app marketplaces.
Why you should care
Cyber criminals utilize these infected devices to sell or offer free access to compromised home networks, enabling a wide range of illegal online activities. The FBI listed several signs that may indicate a device is compromised, including the presence of unofficial app marketplaces, devices requiring Google Play Protect to be disabled, streaming devices advertised as "unlocked" or able to access free content, unknown or unverified device brands, Android devices that are not Play Protect certified, and unexplained or suspicious internet traffic.
What you can do
The FBI is urging the public to assess all IoT devices connected to their home networks and consider disconnecting any device that appears suspicious. Officials also advise consumers to avoid downloading apps from unofficial sources, keep software updated, monitor network activity, and prioritize patching any known vulnerabilities.
The agency acknowledged contributions from Google, Human Security, Trend Micro, and the Shadowserver Foundation in preparing the alert. Anyone who believes they may have been a victim is urged to file a report with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
The Source
The details in this article were provided by the FBI.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Miami Herald
2 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Hybrid vs EV vs Gas: Which Actually Saves You the Most Money?
In 2025, you can buy a Toyota Prius, skip the gas station for days, and still complain about the ride quality on potholes. That's the hybrid life: part monk, part commuter ninja. And with gas prices moonwalking toward $4 again, it's a lifestyle many Americans are still buying into-over 1.2 million hybrid sales last year alone. But the EV crowd is yelling louder every year: "Just go all electric!" So let's settle it - does the hybrid still make financial sense? Or is it a stepping stone past its prime? We did the math. Real numbers. Real assumptions. No "green halo" pricing fluff. Figure 1: 10-Year Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Over a 10-year period, electric vehicles (EVs) can be the most cost-effective option-but only under ideal conditions like access to home charging and sufficient annual mileage. According to DOE and Argonne National Lab, hybrids remain the lowest total cost of ownership for the average American, especially for those without dedicated charging infrastructure. Assumptions: ICE: $28K purchase, $1,500/year fuel, $600/year maintenanceHybrid: $30K purchase, $1,200/year fuel, $700/year maintenanceEV: $35K purchase, $400/year electricity, $300/year maintenance The hybrid buyer still spends a little more upfront than the gas car buyer, but makes it back over time. You're saving around $300 a year at the pump, and while maintenance isn't zero (hello, regenerative braking sensors), it's generally lower than ICE over the long haul. Add in federal tax credits or state perks, and hybrids remain one of the best deals on the road, especially if you're putting in 15,000+ miles per year. Clarification: While EVs offer lower operational costs, hybrids remain the cheapest total cost option for many average-use cases, per Argonne. Here's the truth: EVs are significantly cheaper to run - when you can charge at home. Charging at home averages $400/year in electricity, compared to $1,200 in gas for a hybrid. Plus, there's no oil to change, no spark plugs to replace, and your brake pads last longer thanks to regen braking. But that advantage flips quickly if you rely on public fast-charging, which can be 3x to 5x more expensive than home charging. According to DOE/Argonne, EVs relying heavily on public charging often end up more expensive than hybrids or ICE cars over 10 years. EVs can save you about $7,000 over 10 years - but only if you charge smart and often at home. The myth that hybrids are more expensive to maintain because of "two powertrains" doesn't hold up. Most hybrid systems are built like tanks. Inverters or battery packs rarely fail under warranty, and regenerative brakes reduce wear. Meanwhile, ICE cars need regular oil changes, timing belt swaps, and eventually, catalytic converter work. EVs? Lowest upkeep by far. Scheduled EV maintenance at 6 cents per mile, compared to 10 cents for gas cars. However, battery replacement costs remain a wildcard for EVs beyond the warranty period, usually past year 8 or 10. That risk keeps hybrids competitive. So, here's what the numbers and studies actually tell us: The hybrid still offers the lowest total cost of ownership for the average driver, especially those without home charging or lower annual can be more affordable, but only with access to home chargingand consistent vehicles remain the costliest long-term, due to fuel and maintenance costs. So no, hybrids aren't a "marketing mirage." They're still the smartest move for the gas-averse, chargerless majority. And EVs? They're the future, but not everyone's present. The real question is this: Will the hybrid stay a stepping stone or become the sensible forever car? Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Fox News
4 hours ago
- Fox News
Reduce screen time and ditch big tech's grip
Staying glued to your phone is exactly what big tech companies want. However, if you're ready to reclaim your time and reduce screen time on your phone, there are practical steps you can take, regardless of whether you use an iPhone or an Android device. Here's how to break free from endless scrolling and build healthier digital habits. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my Constant phone use can disrupt sleep, increase stress and make it harder to focus. Setting boundaries with your device can improve your well-being, productivity and relationships. Apple devices include helpful features designed to curb screen time and help you create healthier tech habits, without needing third-party apps. And they only work if we opt to use them. That's half the battle at winning back your attention. Use Apple's Screen Time feature to monitor how much time you're spending on specific apps and set daily limits to help break habits. Use Downtime to automatically block distracting apps and notifications during specific hours, such as before bed, during work or mealtime. Constant pings and alerts can keep you glued to your phone. Use these steps to turn off non-essential notifications and enable Focus modes to stay in control. For more control You can also schedule Focus modes or have them turn on automatically based on time, location, or app use. Turning your screen to grayscale removes the vibrant colors that keep your brain engaged, making your phone feel more boring and easier to ignore. Big tech designs apps to keep you hooked, but your Android phone also has built-in tools to help you take back control. Here are practical, up-to-date tips for reducing screen time and forming healthier habits. Use Android's Digital Wellbeing tools to track your screen time and set limits on the apps that consume your day. Settings may vary depending on your Android phone's manufacturer Constant notifications hijack your attention. Turning them off helps reduce the urge to check your phone unnecessarily. Settings may vary depending on your Android phone's manufacturer Set bedtime or work hours when your phone automatically limits distractions and helps you wind down or focus. Settings may vary depending on your Android phone's manufacturer By now, you've got the tools to monitor and limit your screen time, but reducing phone use isn't just about toggling settings. Sometimes, it's the small mental shifts and environmental changes that make the biggest difference. Here are some strategies to help you reduce screen time and regain control of your device without needing to delve into your settings menu again: Change where you keep your phone: Out of sight really can mean out of mind. Try leaving your phone in another room while you work, eat or relax. Even just putting it in a drawer or turning it face down can break the cycle of constant checking. Stop using your phone as a default filler: Bored? Waiting in line? Stuck in traffic (as a passenger)? Instead of reflexively reaching for your phone, try doing nothing or something analog. Read a book, breathe deeply or just let your mind wander. These "in-between" moments are where clarity often happens. Create no-phone zones: Designate tech-free areas in your home, such as the dinner table, bedroom or bathroom. Physically separating yourself from your phone helps reinforce boundaries and reduce screen time without much effort. Replace doom-scrolling with quick wins: Build a list of low-effort, high-reward alternatives to scrolling. Think: a five-minute stretch, stepping outside, organizing a drawer or sending a voice message to a friend. The key is having options ready when the urge to scroll hits. Involve someone else: Accountability works. Whether it's a friend, partner or roommate, ask someone to check in with you, or even hold the screen time passcode. Just knowing someone else is watching can make mindless scrolling less appealing. Big tech designs devices to keep you hooked, but you have the power to take back control. By using built-in tools, making your phone less enticing and setting realistic goals, you can reduce phone screen time and enjoy a healthier relationship with technology. Start small, stay consistent and celebrate your progress. Trust me, freedom from your phone is possible. What would you do with an extra hour a day, if it wasn't spent scrolling? Let us know by writing us at Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
CNBC
4 hours ago
- CNBC
Elon Musk says he has formed a new U.S. political party, the 'America Party'
Elon Musk said Saturday that he has formed a new political party, the "America Party," which he claims will give Americans "back your freedom." "By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it!" Musk wrote on X, one day after he posted a poll on the platform asking his followers if they support creating the "America Party." Musk, the world's richest man, suggested Friday that the new party could focus "on just 2 or 3 Senate seats and 8 to 10 House districts." "Given the razor-thin legislative margins, that would be enough to serve as the deciding vote on contentious laws, ensuring that they serve the true will of the people," Musk said Friday. Musk did not say where the party may be registered. It did not appear to be registered with the Federal Election Committee. He also said that the party would caucus independently and that "legislative discussions would be had with both parties," according to a reply to a user on X. Musk was the largest donor during the 2024 presidential campaign, giving more than $280 million throughout the cycle, predominantly to presidential candidate Donald Trump, although he also supported other Republican candidates. If Musk chooses to get involved in any competitive congressional races in 2026, it could make a significant difference in a close contest. The Tesla CEO's post comes after a public feud with Trump erupted. It was a dramatic turnaround for the two men, who had been close allies during the early days of the second Trump administration. But their relationship deteriorated as the two men exchanged barbs on social media, mainly due to Musk's vocal opposition to Trump's "big, beautiful bill," CNBC has reported. Musk had previously spearheaded Trump's efforts to slash the federal government through the controversial "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE), but stepped back from his role in May after his involvement with the program began to negatively impact his business. Since feuding with Trump, Musk has publicly floated the idea of a new political party, particularly amid his continued strong opposition to Trump's sweeping domestic policy package, which passed last week. "It is obvious with the insane spending of this bill, which increases the debt ceiling by a record FIVE TRILLION DOLLARS that we live in a one-party country – the PORKY PIG PARTY!!" Musk said Monday. "Time for a new political party that actually cares about the people," he said.
