One of Google’s Android partners turned 1.3 million set-top boxes into a botnet
Google says one of its Android manufacturing partners secretly built a backdoor in 1.3 million devices and turned them into a botnet. The company says it has now dismantled the backdoor and "cut ties" with the manufacturer, the Shenzhen, China-based Videostrong Technology Co., which has been banned from building or…
Covered by 2 sources from United States. First reported by The Verge ·
How 2 newspapers cover this story
One of Google’s Android partners turned 1.3 million set-top boxes into a botnet
Google says one of its Android manufacturing partners secretly built a backdoor in 1.3 million devices and turned them into a botnet. The company says it has now dismantled the backdoor and "cut ties" with the manufacturer, the Shenzhen, China-based Videostrong Technology Co., which has been banned from building or…
Google dismantles botnet secretly running on 1.3 million Android TV boxes
Google has cut ties with the company behind the botnet campaign.
Coverage details
2 outlets from United States are covering this story: The Verge and Ars Technica. The Verge published it first, on November 2, 2026; the last outlet to join was Ars Technica, 21 hours later.
Key names in the coverage: Android TV, One of Google, Videostrong Technology Co and Shenzhen.
