'Dodgy boxes': Irish homes warned after major global cyberattack targets Android-enabled TVs

The attack was launched by a botnet called "Kimwolf", which is made up of mainly "compromised Android-enabled televisions and TV streaming devices".

The public is being warned that a number of home devices, including "dodgy boxes", have been compromised following a large-scale global cyberattack. 

Grant Thornton said that the attack was launched by a botnet called "Kimwolf", which is made up of mainly "compromised Android-enabled televisions and TV streaming devices".

Security researchers have warned that millions of these "low-cost" and "poorly secured devices" could be infected and remotely controlled by cybercriminals across the world. 

Cybersecurity Partner at the consultancy firm, Howard Shortt, said that many people do not realise that these low-cost devices or even a cheap smart lightbulb could be "compromised in seconds." 

"Once attackers gain access, they can use that device as part of a botnet or quietly profile the household to support more targeted and convincing phishing attacks," he said.

“Attackers typically exploit default passwords, outdated software, or unpatched vulnerabilities in internet-connected devices, and once inside a home network, can observe traffic patterns and build a profile of the household.

That information allows criminals to engineer highly believable phishing messages. 

"For example, posing as a streaming provider with a prompt to review a show you have just watched. At that point, the scam is no longer random and much more believable," Mr Shortt added. 

The public is being urged to take a proactive approach to home cybersecurity, including changing default passwords on all their smart devices and routers, as well as only purchasing reputable brands from legitimate vendors.