https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/one-of-google-s-android-partners-turned-1-3-million-set-top-boxes-into-a-botnetContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/one-of-google-s-android-partners-turned-1-3-million-set-top-boxes-into-a-botnethttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/one-of-google-s-android-partners-turned-1-3-million-set-top-boxes-into-a-botnet#u178593Thu, 05 Nov 2026 20:25:53 +0000Google and industry partners disrupted the XCPE botnet in late October, severing server control for over 1.3 million Android TV set-top boxes. The botnet utilized preinstalled malware to conduct advertising fraud and route third-party internet traffic through users' home connections. Google identified Shenzhen-based manufacturer Videostrong Technology Co. as the party responsible for intentionally installing the backdoor and selling access to criminals. While the command servers are down, the malware remains on the devices and cannot be removed by owners.Why it mattersThe attack differs f