Google dismantled a botnet. It infected over 1.3 million Android devices. These devices were primarily set-top TV boxes.
Google stated that manufacturer Videostrong Technology Co. intentionally installed a backdoor in the device firmware. This backdoor created and monetized the botnet.
Videostrong allegedly sold access to the compromised devices. Criminal affiliates used these devices for ad-fraud. They also used them for creating residential proxy networks.
Google took legal action to take down the botnet's control servers. The company also banned Videostrong and its affiliates. They cannot produce or supply software for certified Android devices in the future.