SINGAPORE – Singapore’s cyber-security watchdog and the police have warned against using non-certified streaming devices, as these may contain malware that can compromise users’ home networks and personal information.
In a release on Nov 12, the authorities said these devices, known as Android TV boxes, can be plugged directly into the TV to allow users to watch streamed content on their TV screens.
They said there are various types of Android TV boxes. Certified Android TV boxes support officially licensed applications such as Netflix and Disney+.
But non-certified devices often support illegal streaming sites or distribute malicious applications.
Users who visit illegal streaming sites or download unofficial applications through their non-certified TV boxes may be exposed to malware that can compromise their home networks and personal information.
The malware works by infecting the users’ devices with malicious applications, turning them into part of a botnet – a network of compromised computers used to carry out cyber attacks such as Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks and spam campaigns.
