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Google bans Videostrong after Android partner builds botnet into 1.3 million devices

Google disclosed that Shenzhen-based manufacturer Videostrong Technology secretly embedded a backdoor into 1.3 million Android devices, mostly set-top boxes but also telehealth gear, karaoke machines and digital signage. Google says the backdoor was used for ad fraud, data exfiltration and routing unauthorized network traffic, and that it has dismantled the backdoor, disrupted related command-and-control domains, and banned Videostrong from building or supplying certified Android software.

Google bans Android partner Videostrong after 1.3 million set-top boxes found in botnet

Google says Shenzhen-based manufacturer Videostrong Technology built a hidden backdoor into roughly 1.3 million Android devices, mostly set-top boxes but also telehealth gear, karaoke machines and digital signage. Google says it dismantled the backdoor, disrupted related command-and-control domains, and banned Videostrong from building or selling certified Android devices or software.

Google dismantles XCPE botnet, bans Videostrong from Android TV certification

Google and industry partners took down the XCPE malware botnet, which infected over 1.3 million Android TV streaming boxes made by China-based Videostrong Technology. Google says Videostrong deliberately built a persistent backdoor into its devices and sold access to criminal groups, who used the devices for ad fraud, residential proxy networks, and further malware installation. Google also shut down command-and-control servers tied to more than a dozen related malware families affecting over 10 million additional devices, including set-top boxes, karaoke machines, and telehealth hardware.