Malware Hijacks Amazon Devices to Mine Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency mining malware is infiltrating Amazon Fire TVs and Amazon Fire Sticks.

A post on the XDA Developers forum details the issue. Infected users are noticing an app called ‘test’ running on the device. A developer who broke down the app’s code uncovered a worm called ADB.Miner that uses the infamous Coinhive malware miner script to mine Monero.

Once it’s installed, the worm uses system resources to mine cryptocurrency, crippling the device with sluggish performance and problems with video playback.

Amazon Fire TVs and Fire Sticks are vulnerable because they’re built on the Android operating system, a primary target for crypto mining malware.

According to the thread, the most effective way to eliminate the malware is to restore factory settings on your device.

Mining malware has long been a scourge in the world of cryptocurrency. New research shows that at least 5% of all Monero in circulation was mined illicitly by using various forms of malware.

Related: Is Your Favorite Website Cryptojacking? Here’s How to Find Out