Researchers still don’t know the cause of a recently discovered malware infection affecting almost 1.3 million streaming devices running an open source version of Android in almost 200 countries.

    • pandapoo@sh.itjust.works
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      11
      ·
      4 months ago

      This is about the boxes you plug into the TV, like a Roku, or Fire TV, except it’s the cheap Chinese white box rebranded Android TV boxes you buy on places likeAmazon, Ali, and eBay.

      • BB_C@programming.dev
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        2
        ·
        4 months ago

        They don’t even run Android TV. They run a modified (normal) Android. This is well known, but the article also mentions it.

      • burgersc12@mander.xyz
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        3
        arrow-down
        1
        ·
        4 months ago

        So basically a non-issue unless you just plug the cheapest streaming box you can get your hand on into your devices.

        • pandapoo@sh.itjust.works
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          5
          arrow-down
          1
          ·
          edit-2
          4 months ago

          I didn’t say they’re the cheapest, just that the boxes I’m personally aware of with this problem are white box rebranded ATVs.

          But I haven’t looked through the entire list, so it’s entirely possible that some other more well-known and “respectable” device brands are also compromised. If you have an Android TV box, you should probably search the list to find out.

            • pandapoo@sh.itjust.works
              link
              fedilink
              English
              arrow-up
              5
              arrow-down
              1
              ·
              edit-2
              4 months ago

              Right, and I was trying to subtly tell you that you were wrong and that your inaccurate description borders on disinformation, as many of the rebranded white box Android TVs cost more than popular Play Certified Android TV devices, and include better hardware specs.

    • BakedCatboy@lemmy.ml
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      3
      ·
      4 months ago

      Isn’t the article about tv boxes that you use with your dumb TV so you can watch streaming stuff on it? I don’t think any TVs are affected

  • szczuroarturo@programming.dev
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    3 months ago

    Given that they are not certified by google its probably cheap chinese ones. Im pretty sure they are known to often contain malware out of the box