In a spectacular operation, the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has paralysed around 30,000 Android devices and disconnected them from the Internet. The authority is calling on the owners of these devices, on which an outdated Android version is installed, to dispose of their hardware.
The reason for this measure is the fact that the devices were delivered with pre-installed malware called BadBox, which automatically sends fraudulent advertising emails. As part of a so-called sinkholing measure, the BSI has therefore instructed the communication providers of the 30,000 devices to redirect their data traffic so that their online use is no longer possible.
In a press release, the BSI recommends ‘checking the security features of the device before purchasing such products. Official manufacturer support, a current version of the operating system or a look at the manufacturer’s reliability are recommended.’