NetNut Proxy Down: 2 Million Devices Cut Off

Michael Miller · 2026-07-03

You might have heard the news: a joint operation with Google just took down NetNut, a massive residential proxy network. This wasn't your average botnet. NetNut had access to over 2 million compromised Android devices, including smart TVs and streaming boxes. And now, those devices are cut off from the proxy service. For anyone in the antidetect browser space, this is a big deal. Residential proxies are a cornerstone of managing multiple online identities. When a network like NetNut gets disrupted, it sends ripples through the whole ecosystem. But let's break down what actually happened and what it means for you. ### What Was NetNut? NetNut was a residential proxy network that let users route their traffic through real home devices. The twist? Many of those devices were infected without their owners' knowledge. Think about it: someone's smart TV, quietly acting as a proxy node for who knows what. This isn't just shady; it's illegal. The scale was huge. We're talking about 2 million devices, mostly Android-based. That includes streaming boxes, smart TVs, and even some older phones. For the people running these networks, it's a goldmine. For the device owners, it's a nightmare. ### How Did Google Get Involved? Google's role here is interesting. They didn't just stumble upon this. Their security team actively worked with law enforcement to identify the infected devices. Once they pinpointed the malware, they could notify users and disrupt the proxy service. This isn't the first time Google has stepped in. They've been aggressive about cleaning up botnets and proxy networks. But this takedown feels different. It's a direct hit to a service that many people in the antidetect browser community relied on. ### What This Means for Antidetect Browser Users If you were using NetNut proxies with your antidetect browser, you're probably scrambling right now. Here's what you need to know: - **Your IPs are dead.** Those residential IPs are no longer working. Any profiles tied to them will need new proxies. - **Trust is broken.** Even if NetNut comes back (unlikely), the reputation of their IP pool is ruined. Many sites will flag those IPs immediately. - **Time to pivot.** This is a reminder that relying on a single proxy provider is risky. Diversify your proxy sources. For professionals managing multiple accounts, this is a wake-up call. You need proxies that are ethically sourced. Otherwise, you're just one takedown away from losing everything. ### The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters This takedown highlights a growing trend: law enforcement and tech companies are getting better at shutting down malicious proxy networks. And that's a good thing for everyone except the bad actors. But it also means the landscape is changing. Residential proxies are getting harder to come by. The ones that are available might be more expensive or less reliable. If you're in this space, you need to adapt. > "The days of cheap, dirty proxies are numbered. If you're serious about antidetect browsing, invest in quality." ### What Should You Do Now? First, check if you were using NetNut. If so, replace those proxies immediately. Second, look for providers that offer transparent, ethically sourced IPs. Yes, they cost more, but they're less likely to get shut down. Third, consider rotating your proxy setup. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Use a mix of datacenter, residential, and mobile proxies. That way, if one source gets disrupted, you're not dead in the water. Finally, keep an eye on the news. This takedown isn't the last one. More will come. Stay informed, stay flexible, and don't get caught off guard. ### Final Thoughts The NetNut disruption is a major event for the antidetect browser community. It's a reminder that the tools we use are often built on shaky ground. But it's also an opportunity to do things better. Use clean proxies, diversify your sources, and always have a backup plan. Your online identity management is only as strong as your weakest link. Make sure that link isn't a compromised smart TV.