A smart television, streaming box, security camera, digital display, printer, or inexpensive Android device may not look like a cybersecurity concern. It may sit quietly in a conference room or reception area for years.
However, internet-connected devices can become a problem when they contain unsafe software, stop receiving updates, or are protected by default passwords.
The FBI has warned that criminals can compromise these devices and use them as “residential proxies.” In plain English, that means someone else sends internet traffic through the victim’s connection, making the activity appear to come from the victim’s home or small-business network.
Recent enforcement activity shows the scale of the issue. In July 2026, Google said it worked with the FBI and other partners to disrupt the NetNut residential proxy network, which it estimated involved at least two million infected devices.
Security systems are often more suspicious of traffic coming from known hosting facilities or overseas servers. Traffic coming from a normal Florida business connection can look less unusual.
A compromised device can therefore help criminals disguise activities such as account fraud, automated attacks, advertising abuse, or attempts to access other systems.
The business may not see an obvious ransom message or locked computer. Warning signs may be subtle:
These symptoms can have innocent explanations, but recurring problems deserve investigation.
Start with anything that connects to the internet but is not a normal employee computer.
That may include:
The goal is not to remove useful technology. It is to know what is connected, who manages it, and whether it is still supported.
Create a basic device inventory. Record each device, its purpose, location, manufacturer, model, and person responsible for it.
Then work through these checks:
The FBI also recommends avoiding software from untrusted sources and reviewing connected devices when unusual network behavior appears.
A one-time cleanup is helpful, but connected devices change over time. New cameras, screens, printers, and conference-room equipment are often added without a formal security review.
Include these devices in regular technology checkups. Confirm that they still receive updates, remove devices that are no longer needed, and make sure new purchases come from reputable manufacturers with clear support policies.
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