Recently, an investigation has uncovered alarming security issues in low-cost children’s tablets, highlighting the case of the Dragon Touch, specifically the KidzPad Y88X 10 model. This device has raised concerns due to the detection of pre-installed malware, linking it to a series of compromised Android TV boxes as well. The situation has led Google to remove the distributor of this tablet from their list of devices certified by Play Protect, a program aimed at ensuring security within the Android ecosystem.
This scandal highlights the urgent need for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to take a more serious role in ensuring their products are safe for users. Experts insist that the responsibility for verifying the security of devices should not fall on consumers, but stricter regulation and transparency are needed in the market.
Since October 2023, Dragon Touch has suspended the sale of tablets on their website, although there are still stocks available in stores like Amazon and Newegg. This cessation of sales raises questions about the company’s situation and whether it reflects deeper security issues in their products or simply a strategic realignment.
To address this issue, investments such as the FCC’s Cyber Trust Mark program have been developed to provide consumers with information about the security features of connected devices. However, many buyers still face the choice between low-cost devices without clear information about their security. The lack of transparency in the availability of these products complicates consumers’ task of discerning which ones are safe.
Furthermore, large retailers face challenges in deciding to “sell everything,” which entails the obligation to ensure the quality and safety of the products they offer. In this context, initiatives like “Android Binary Transparency” seek to track compromised firmware through transparent and auditable logs, which could strengthen security in the low-cost sector.
Clear and accessible verification mechanisms are crucial to ensure the security of devices. While some devices, like Google Pixel, allow for this validation, it is proposed that the burden of responsibility should fall on regulators and distributors instead of consumers.
With the end-of-year shopping season approaching, concerns about the security of electronic devices persist. It is essential that consumers have access to safe and malware-free products, regardless of their budget. This security challenge in low-cost devices represents not only a marketing issue but a matter of corporate responsibility and ethics that demands immediate attention and action.
via: MiMub in Spanish
