Google says botnet hit more than 1.3 million TV boxes

Researchers link the botnet to Chinese company Videostrong.

Confirmed

Google says a large network of hacked devices, called a botnet, infected more than 1.3 million devices. The Google Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG) explained its work in a blog post. A botnet is a group of hacked devices that criminals control from afar. The XCPE botnet mainly hit Android TV boxes. These are small boxes that let people stream shows on their TVs. Google assessed with high confidence that the botnet was linked to Chinese company Videostrong. iTnews reported that TV boxes in Australia were affected. Owners may not know their device has been hacked. It is a good idea to buy devices from trusted brands and keep them updated. Google says it has acted against the botnet. It is not yet known how many Australian homes were affected.