Google dismantles X.CPE botnet in Android TV boxes
Original title: Google dismantles massive botnet hidden in Android TV boxes
Google with partners takedown of X.CPE botnet affecting over 1.3 million Android TV set-top boxes linked to Videostrong Technology.
Google along with cybersecurity companies and Japanese law enforcement dismantled the X.CPE botnet hidden in more than 1.3 million set-top boxes across over 200 countries. The botnet was tied to Videostrong Technology, a Chinese OEM. Devices were turned into residential proxy network and loaded with other malware for revenue. Google cut ties with Videostrong and banned future devices with preloaded Google apps.
Unconfirmed: No response from Videostrong to requests for comment
- Affected over 1.3 million devices
- Linked to Videostrong Technology
- Botnet monetized via bandwidth resale and malware delivery
- Updates to malware in 2024 and 2026
- Tied to Japanese law enforcement and TrendAI
Impact: Botnet compromising IoT devices for proxy and malware operations
From the original article
4 min read at therecord.mediaThe overwhelming majority of the infected devices in the X. CPE botnet are Android TV set-top boxes, Google said, adding that they observed a number of other infected Android-based IoT devices, including telehealth devices, karaoke machines and digital signage devices.
therecord.media
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