A major Android TV box maker just got busted by Google for running a malware racket
MECOOL TV boxes are widely available around the world, but it turns out this was reportedly a glorified botnet operation.
Google has terminated its partnership with MECOOL, the manufacturer of Android TV boxes, following allegations that the company installed malware on its devices. The Android box maker allegedly inserted a backdoor into its products, which then enabled the sale of access to these boxes, facilitating ad fraud and the theft of sensitive data.
Google claims it has also revised its device review process to address these gaps. While the Android TV box market is populated by numerous brands, including Google, Walmart Onn, Xiaomi, and NVIDIA, MECOOL stands out as it offers budget-oriented devices on platforms such as Amazon and AliExpress. However, it has been revealed that MECOOL utilized its TV boxes to execute illicit activities.
Google disclosed that the XCPE backdoor, which transformed over 1.3 million Android TV boxes into a botnet, was dismantled in collaboration with industry partners. The suspected perpetrator behind these actions was found to be MECOOL, the manufacturer of the affected TV boxes.
Written by urgent.news from Android Authority's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
