Skip to main content

Amazon update for older Fire TV devices helps keep you safe from malware

In June, reports began to surface that some older models of Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick devices were being targeted by malware. In order to be at risk, you would have needed to manually enable certain options that are off by default, meaning many users weren’t affected, but it was still worrisome enough that Amazon has rolled out a new software update that will help users make sure they don’t unknowingly open themselves up to risk, AFTVnews reports.

The malware that users began spotting in June relied on Android Debug Bridge (ADB) being enabled in the settings menu. Normally, this is only used by app developers who create software that runs on Fire TV devices, but it is also used to sideload applications that aren’t directly available on Amazon’s App Store like Kodi or Terrarium TV.

Recommended Videos

Many people installing Kodi or Terrarium understand that they’re operating outside of how most people use their Fire TV devices and also understand the risk they’re undertaking, but not everyone is aware of this. Newer versions of Fire TV devices like the Fire TV Cube use Fire OS 6, which prompts the user to make sure they really understand what they’re doing when they enable ADB. Plenty of older devices like the original Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, as well as the second generations of those, use the older Fire OS 5 operating system.

Until this update, older Fire TV models don’t prompt the user before turning on ADB. That is, until now. With the latest update — version 5.2.6.6 — the operating system will prompt users just as Fire OS 6 does.

This doesn’t mean that you’re any safer if you do decide to turn ADB off to install Kodi, Terrarium, or other software that you need to sideload. The malware still works exactly as it did before. The only difference is that all users of Fire TV devices will be less likely to turn on ADB by accident if they’re poking through the menus.

If you have no interest in sideloading apps, you shouldn’t have much to worry about from this malware, but if your TV ever prompts you to turn on ADB and you’re not sure why, make sure to deny the request.

Kris Wouk
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kris Wouk is a tech writer, gadget reviewer, blogger, and whatever it's called when someone makes videos for the web. In his…
Amazon quietly launched three new Android tablets with a bunch of AI features
amazon quietly launched three new android tablets fire hd 8 2024 render official

When Amazon launches a new tablet, there's usually quite a bit of fanfare. But this time, the retail giant has quietly unveiled out three new Fire HD 8 tablets: the Fire HD 8 (2024), Fire HD 8 Kids, and Fire HD 8 Kids Pro. These might sound like iterative improvements, but don't be fooled, as Amazon has added some serious oomph to these tablets.

The new Fire HD 8 tablets include a writing assistant that's built into the keyboard. Have you ever written something out and thought it lacked a certain pizazz? The assistant will help tighten up your text. The Amazon Silk browser also now has a feature that will summarize we pages so you get the gist of the message without reading the entire story, while another AI tool lets you create custom background images through a text prompt.

Read more
Google TV Streamer: everything you need to know
google tv streamer price specs features review 1 b646ac

 

We've entered a new era for Google in the streaming video platform. And smart home platform. And in the battle for the major players -- that includes Amazon, Roku, and Apple -- to keep customers within a single ecosystem while supporting all the accessories and doodads that we use every day.

Read more
TCL’s NXTFrame gallery TV launches with a little help from Bang & Olufsen
TCL NXTFrame A3000W Pro.

TCL has released its answer to Samsung's popular The Frame TV. Known as the TCL NXTFrame, it comes in 55-, 65-, 75-, and 85-inch sizes, as well as in both a regular and "pro" version, with prices starting at $1,500. The three smallest sizes are available starting August 5, with the 85-inch models showing up in stores and online in September. TCL claims the NXTFrame is the world’s thinnest “All-In-One” TV, with a 1.1-inch deep chassis on the 55- to 75-inch models.

The NXTFrame and NXTFrame Pro are identical in terms of the TV portion, with the Pro models getting the added benefit of a 3.1.2 soundbar and wireless subwoofer system that has been co-engineered by TCL and Bang & Olufsen (B&O). TCL says that the audio system uses B&O’s BeoSonic,"a proprietary digital interface, which allows customers to seamlessly customize and refine their sound experience."

Read more