Antivirus firm Dr.Web has flagged a type of Android malware known as Android.Vo1d that has infected about 1.3 million TV boxes across 197 countries.
The malware effectively enables a backdoor into the TV box's system that allows an attacker to download and install malicious third-party software. The R4 TV box model running Android 7.1.2, a TV Box running Android 12.1, and the KJ-SMART4KVIP TV box running Android 10.1 were the types of devices reportedly impacted.
A major company made a staggering $75 million ransomware payment to hackers earlier this year, according to cybersecurity vendor Zscaler.
Zscaler made the claim in a Tuesday report examining the latest trends in ransomware attacks, which continue to ensnare companies, hospitals, and schools across the country.
UPDATE: A new statement(Opens in a new window) from MSI says users should avoid downloading firmware and BIOS updates from third-party sources, and instead only obtain such software from the company's official website.
The statement suggests MSI is worried hackers could circulate malicious versions of the company's BIOS software when the ransomware gang, Money Message, claims it stole the PC maker's source code.