# Google says it dismantled backdoor in 1.3 million Android devices

_Published Monday, November 2, 2026 at 4:01 PM EST · Security, Products · Latest · Tier 1 — Major_

![Videostrong’s KD2 Android TV dongle — Primary](https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/11/videostrong-android-tv-device.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=12.458333333333%2C0%2C87.541666666667%2C100&w=1200)

Google says it dismantled a backdoor in 1.3 million Android devices and banned manufacturer Videostrong Technology from building or selling certified Android devices or supplying software for them. The company alleges that its manufacturing partner intentionally installed the backdoor and sold access to criminal affiliates.

Most affected products were Android TV set-top boxes, but they also included telehealth devices, karaoke machines and digital signage. Google says affiliates used infected devices for ad fraud, unauthorized proxy traffic and additional malware. It estimates that disrupting affiliates' command domains will also sever access to at least 10 million additional compromised devices.

## Sources

- [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com/tech/1024807/google-botnet-android-tv-shut-down)

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Canonical: https://techandbusiness.org/newswire/rqry17w1c2_PsJxq0CoRaL
Published: 2026-11-02T21:01:48.127Z
Story chronology: 2026-11-02T20:37:49.000Z
Retrieved: 2026-11-02T23:27:41.625Z
Publisher: Tech & Business (techandbusiness.org)