> people can be bribed or convinced to join botnets so IP whitelisting doesn't work either

what does that bribe look like, as in, how much can one get? what all does that entail? is that a little box i connect to my network and forget about? does that mean if i unplug it unless another payment is received that will work out? i'm asking for a friend that's looking to avoid selling plasma to make ends meet.

https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/cyber/alerts/2026/evading-re...

> The following methods can be used to acquire residential IP addresses for a residential proxy network:

> Software development kit (SDK) partnerships: Proxy services convince mobile application developers to include their SDK in applications in exchange for payment for each person who downloads the application. Individuals download the application and accept the terms and conditions, allowing the SDKs to run in the background and route proxy traffic through users' devices.

> Virtual private network (VPNs) with hidden terms of service: Free VPN services may enroll users' devices in a residential proxy network, without obtaining their consent. The details are often hidden in the terms of service, which most users do not read prior to download, or the language is difficult for the user to understand.

> [malware and compromised IoT devices]

> Passive income schemes: Proxy services convince people to download applications on their device that promise to pay them for their internet bandwidth. People often do not realize that criminals use their internet connection to commit cyber attacks

One reddit post says bandwidth sharing passive income schemes paid them $1 to $9 per month.

I used to know some Americans who were on the poorer end of the spectrum, and apps that paid you for performing fitness activity and such weren't uncommon in that demographic. Not as much of a thing in Europe for some reason.

I believe the cheap Chinese pirate TV boxes that are somewhat popular in the US these days are also in botnets, which is likely how the vendors make them so cheap.

I'm afraid it's far less enticing. The usual offer is "To continue playing, pay $0.99 or hit AGREE to share your internet connection with Legit Services Inc."

And that's assuming they're nice enough to ask at all.

I'm pretty sure it's one of the revenue models for those free tv/movie boxes. You can even see them at best buy. Absurd.