Google has dismantled IPIDEA, one of the world’s largest residential proxy networks, to stop cybercriminals and state-backed hackers from exploiting compromised consumer devices. Residential proxies allow attackers to mask malicious activity by routing traffic through infected home and mobile devices. Led by the Google Threat Intelligence Group, the operation involved legal action to seize control domains and new Android protections via Google Play Protect. Google says the takedown removed millions of compromised devices, shut down 13 proxy brands, and disrupted infrastructure linked to hundreds of Android apps and thousands of Windows files.