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🕵️ FBI Alert: Criminals Are Hijacking Your Home Internet Without You Knowing
The FBI warns that cybercriminals are secretly using everyday devices like smart TVs, streaming boxes, and free VPN apps to turn your home internet into a “residential proxy.” That means your IP address could be used to send spam, steal data, or access illegal websites without your knowledge.
What’s a Residential Proxy?
It’s a way to disguise internet traffic so it looks like it’s coming from a regular home. Criminals use compromised devices to route their activity through your IP address, making you appear responsible.
How Your Devices Get Hijacked
- Free VPNs with hidden terms.
- Streaming boxes with shady apps.
- Pirated content and cracked games.
- “Passive income” bandwidth-sharing apps.
- Compromised smart gadgets (TVs, projectors, even car systems).
What Criminals Do With Your IP
- Send phishing emails and malware.
- Create fake accounts and bypass purchase limits.
- Steal data and access bank accounts.
- Host illegal marketplaces.
What You Can Do
- Avoid sketchy streaming devices and free VPNs.
- Don’t download pirated content.
- Keep software and firmware updated.
- Monitor your home network for strange traffic.
- Use antivirus tools and reset your device if infected.
If You’re A Victim
- File a report at www.ic3.gov.
- Include date, time, device type, and suspicious activity.
- Change your passwords and enable login alerts.
And in Other News...
- 🍎 Apple Issues Critical Updates for Older Devices
Apple has released important updates for older iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watch models to ensure they keep working with key Apple services. These updates refresh activation and security certificates so features like iMessage, FaceTime, and device activation continue to function through January 2027 and beyond.
If you or your team still rely on older hardware, this update is essential.
What’s happening
Apple says older devices need updated certificates to stay compatible with Apple’s servers. Without this update:
- iMessage may stop sending or receiving.
- FaceTime calls may fail.
- Device activation may not work after a reset.
- Some apps may stop verifying properly.
This is a rare long‑term support update for aging devices.
Devices that need the update
Apple lists many older models, including:
- iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X
- iPad 5th gen, early iPad Pro models
- Macs running macOS Big Sur or Catalina
- Apple Watch Series 1 through Series 5 and SE
If your device still receives occasional “legacy” updates, install this one.
How to update
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iPhone/iPad: Settings → General → Software Update
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Mac: System Preferences → Software Update
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Apple Watch: Watch app → General → Software Update
- Make sure the device is charged or plugged in.
What to do now
- Update any older Apple devices you still use.
- Remind family, coworkers, or clients who rely on older hardware.
- If you manage devices, schedule updates this week.
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