Factory malware
Mini PCs often sold had Trojans on board
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A Trojan is discovered on mini PCs from a Chinese manufacturer that appears to be pre-installed. The malware can steal confidential data and reload other malware. It is not known how many contaminated devices were sold, but the manufacturer claims to have fixed the problem.
Mini PCs are popular because they take up little space on the desk but are as powerful as large desktop computers. The range is therefore huge, with many Chinese manufacturers in particular vying for buyers' favor. Devices from AceMagic are often tested, found to be good and correspondingly successful. But recently one of the testers discovered malware on his mini PC that had apparently been installed before it was sold.
According to Youtuber Jon from The Net Guy Reviews, Microsoft's Windows Defender found malware from the Bladabindi and Redline families after it was put into operation on the AceMagic AD08 sent via Amazon. According to Tom's Hardware, the malware can, among other things, steal saved passwords from browsers and cryptocurrency wallets, log the victim's keystrokes, and extract information from the infected system. Later, the antivirus software found more spyware hidden in Windows folders during a full system scan.
Problem supposedly fixed
“Tom's Hardware” quotes two Amazon users who also discovered the aforementioned malware on their devices. The mini PCs are an AceMagic AD08 and the other is an AceMagic AK1. According to Net Guy Reviews, users also found the malware on an S1 and an AD15 from the manufacturer, and buyers on Amazon also reported pre-installed malware on their devices. Apparently various AceMagic models are or were affected.
Youtuber Jon then ordered another A08, on which the antivirus program did not detect any malware. On the packaging, Jon found a sticker that said “P2”. A supposed company spokesman wrote to him that the problem had been resolved. It only existed in the first margin; all models now sold are not affected.
It is not known how many Mini PCs were delivered with malware. For recent buyers of an AceMagic computer, Tom's Hardware recommends a full virus scan. Other users should also check their devices, as the Chinese manufacturer also sells mini PCs under the Kamrui, NiPoGi and CTONE brands.
