Connected TVs targeted
The new Pandoraspear malware is mainly spread through free streaming sites, often visited by users on their smartphones. Once the site is loaded on the television, the latter is automatically infected. According to researchers at WatchGuard Technologies, cThe malware has already infected more than 170,000 televisions around the world. The Bigpanzi group, based in South America, uses this botnet to carry out denial of service (DDoS) attacks and to distribute propaganda content. For example, in the United Arab Emirates, television programs have been replaced by images of conflicts between Israel and Hamas.
Connected TVs, often lacking antivirus software, become easy targets for this type of malware. Pandoraspear uses attack techniques inherited from the now-defunct Mirai botnet to infiltrate and control devices. Once infected, the TV can be used to carry out large-scale attacks or to broadcast specific messages.
Security measures against this new malware
The findings of WatchGuard Technologies’ security report for the first quarter of 2024 are alarming. Pandoraspear has reached the top 10 most detected malware, highlighting the risks that IoT device vulnerabilities pose to the security of individuals and businesses. Corey Nachreiner, chief security officer at WatchGuard, emphasizes the importance of securing all internet-connected devices, whether they are used for business or entertainment.
Endpoint malware detections increased by 82%, although ransomware and zero-day malware detections decreased by 23% and 36%, respectively.. These figures show that, despite an overall decline in network-level malware detections, connected TVs remain prime targets for cybercriminals.
To protect yourself against this type of threat, it is essential to follow certain best practices:
Avoid viewing free streaming sites from your connected TV. Favor legitimate and official applications.
Keep your devices up to date. Make sure your TV and all other IoT devices receive regular security updates.
Use a secure network. Set up a Wi-Fi network with a strong password and enable encryption.
Monitor your devices for unusual behavior. If your TV displays unexpected content or acts strangely, it could be infected.
Vigilance is required to avoid falling into the trap of cybercriminals. By taking these steps, you will significantly reduce the risk of infection with malware like Pandoraspear.
