The discovery of a new VO1D malware variant has left TV owners worldwide concerned, as it’s estimated that over 1.6 million Android TV sets have been infected. This long-known malware, which targets Android devices such as televisions and set-top boxes, has been found to have contaminated devices in almost every country, turning them into remote-controlled bots.
Security experts from XLAB have been studying this new variant, which boasts improved encryption and camouflage functions, making it harder for them to send commands to the bots and analyze them. The infected Android TV bots are being misused for various illegal activities, including DDOS attacks and advertising fraud, by the commissioned Command-and-Control server. For instance, the software uses user interactions to simulate clicks on ads or calls on video platforms, generating income for fraudulent advertising customers.
The VO1D Botnet is considered one of the largest botnets in recent years, with most reported infections coming from countries like Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia, Argentina, Thailand, and China. However, it’s worth noting that at least 2.27 percent of infected TV sets are located in Germany.
So, what can you do to protect yourself from this malware? It all starts with the purchase of an Android TV – make sure to buy from a reputable dealer and a well-known brand, as the malware is often pre-installed on the devices before they’re sold. It’s also crucial to keep your TV’s security updates and firmware updates current, preventing attackers from exploiting safety gaps.
Additionally, it’s recommended to only install apps from Google Play, avoiding other “app stores” that may pose a risk. Unfortunately, protection solutions like virus scanners for Android or VPN services are usually not compatible with smart TVs. By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of your Android TV becoming part of the VO1D Botnet.
How to protect yourself
To minimize the risk of infection, it’s essential to be mindful of your Android TV’s security from the moment you purchase it. Buying from a reputable dealer and a trusted brand can help prevent the device from being pre-installed with malware. Regularly updating your TV’s security and firmware is also vital, as this closes safety gaps that attackers could exploit.
Only installing apps from Google Play is another key security measure, as this reduces the risk of downloading malicious software. While protection solutions like virus scanners and VPN services are not typically compatible with smart TVs, following these guidelines can help keep your device safe from the VO1D Botnet and other potential threats.
