Overview
- Grant Thornton Ireland attributes a recent very large volumetric DDoS to the Kimwolf botnet built from compromised Android TVs and streaming boxes, which the firm described as the largest on record.
- Security researchers say millions of low-cost smart devices worldwide remain vulnerable to infection and remote control by cybercriminals.
- The risk is not limited to TV hardware, with many inexpensive Internet of Things gadgets in homes carrying minimal protections.
- Attackers commonly exploit default passwords, outdated software, or unpatched flaws and can then observe network activity to build detailed household profiles.
- The public is advised to change default passwords on smart devices and routers and to purchase reputable brands from legitimate vendors to reduce exposure.