When it was discovered that some Android decos had malware inside that was generating revenue for hackers remotely, users worried. Some security experts even went so far as to recommend that computers equipped with processors like the AllWinner T95 be thrown away. Because they posed a risk. Google’s words are not so drastic or controversial, but, above all, they help to avoid future problems.
Google explains what to do
In a post that they have published in their Android TV Community section, the company places special emphasis on how important it is for them to maintain both the privacy and security that their users benefit from at the highest level. In fact, they point out that the different devices that are put up for sale go through complex security and certification processes before they can reach the market. Only then, when they have received the Play Protect sealmay be made available to users with the seal of Google.
But, of course, the Android system is very flexible and widely used. Google acknowledges that it is aware that there are devices on the market that are endowed with Android Open Source Project and that are promoted, in their product sheets, as with Android TV. They are best-selling devices that provide Android TV on any Smart TV and enjoy remarkable popularity. For this reason, they want to notify users so that they are aware, because although they may seem so, they are not devices that are certified by them.
How to recognize them?
Google says that these Android decos may have characteristic company applications, such as the Play Store or other company apps. Due to the nature of the Android Open Source Project, this is something they can’t avoid. But they do want users to pay attention to whether or not the devices they are going to buy have the certification that we have indicated before, Play Protect. This is what definitively guarantees that it is a safe Android device and that its use or acquisition will not cause any type of problem for the user.
What if the mention of the Play Protect certification is not included in the product sheet? It does not have to mean that it is not a certified device. Actually, there are times when these mentions are not included due to various factors. Thus, the definitive way to clear doubts is by visiting the Google website and checking the list of authorized and certified manufacturers. To do this, you just have to enter this link. The list is updated, so if the brand is on it, it will be a safe purchase.
What to do in the event that you already have an Android deco and you want to quickly clear up your doubts about whether it is certified or not? What you can opt for is something alternative which is also recommended by Google. In this case, all you have to do is turn on your device, open the Play Store application, and then look in the upper right corner. There you will have to click on the profile icon and click on “Play Protect”. What you will see next on the screen will be a confirmation, if applicable, about how your Android deco is certified within the Play Protect program.
One of the main problemsAnd why malware-ridden Android decos continue to spread their networks and increase the number of computers within hacker botnets is that they are generally less expensive than Google-certified decos. But you should take into account and consider whether you prefer to save some money on the purchase or be sure that there will be no one controlling your device remotely and putting your data at risk.
