Google disrupts million-device XCPE Android malware botnet, bans TV box maker
By Lawrence Abrams
AI Summary
Google and industry partners dismantled the XCPE botnet — a 1.3 million-device Android TV set-top box network that manufacturer Videostrong Technology intentionally pre-infected with malware to generate revenue via ad fraud and residential proxy services sold to cybercriminals. Google is 'highly confident' Videostrong deliberately backdoored devices that passed Google's certification process, raising serious questions about OEM supply chain security and Play Protect's ability to catch pre-installed malware. The takedown is expected to cut off access to more than 10 million additional compromised IoT devices.
Relevance score: 90.0/100
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