Cryptocurrency-mining malware is infecting Amazon Fire TV devices, rendering them incapable of actually playing any content properly.
The malicious software, called ADB.Miner, installs itself as an app called “Test” with the package name “com.google.time.timer”, AFTVnews reports.
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It appears to only affect Amazon Fire TV devices that have been set to allow ADB Debugging and Apps from Unknown Sources.
These settings are turned off by default, but tend to be switched on by users looking to install apps that let them watch pirated films and TV shows.
Once infected, all of the Fire device’s resources will be used for cryptocurrency mining. In other words, it will slow down enormously, and any content you try to play through it will keep getting interrupted and eventually stop.
The Android logo will also keep flashing up on your TV screen.
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To protect yourself, dive into the Settings menu, go to the Developer Options section and make sure the Apps from Unknown Sources and ADB Debugging settings are switched off.
If you’ve already been infected, the best course of action to take is one you won’t want to − performing a full factory reset of your Amazon Fire TV device.
Have you been affected by this, or similar malware? Share your experiences with us @TrustedReviews.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
