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English => News => Topic started by: Redaktion on February 22, 2024, 23:46:03

Title: Virus scandal: Acemagic comments on infected PCs and offers affected customers several options
Post by: Redaktion on February 22, 2024, 23:46:03
Acemagic has commented on the preinstalled viruses on its own PC systems. Affected customers can have their devices exchanged or receive compensation, even if they keep the devices. The company has also announced several measures for the future.

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Virus-scandal-Acemagic-comments-on-infected-PCs-and-offers-affected-customers-several-options.806225.0.html
Title: Re: Virus scandal: Acemagic comments on infected PCs and offers affected customers several options
Post by: anan on February 23, 2024, 11:05:32
Quoteinadequate adjustments made "to the Microsoft source code, including network settings, without obtaining software digital signatures."
Do they mean they loaded unsigned drivers that contained malware? Disabled driver signature verification altogether?
Kinda sounds as if they are trying to put out a complicated message. Maybe it was a malicious act by someone and not a case of gross negligence.
Title: Re: Virus scandal: Acemagic comments on infected PCs and offers affected customers several options
Post by: PhDave on February 23, 2024, 13:42:02
Quote from: anan on February 23, 2024, 11:05:32
Quoteinadequate adjustments made "to the Microsoft source code, including network settings, without obtaining software digital signatures."
Do they mean they loaded unsigned drivers that contained malware? Disabled driver signature verification altogether?
Kinda sounds as if they are trying to put out a complicated message. Maybe it was a malicious act by someone and not a case of gross negligence.

Agreed.  I've been following Acemagic for a few months because their boxes are cool-looking cheap little things, and this issue came up with my initial "product research" while I was considering buying.  The offending software that has been identified on their systems is not just a case of Windows saying "I don't recognize this software" - it's actual intentional malware that logs keystrokes, and scrapes browser data for login information.  Google "Tom's Hardware Mini PC maker ships systems with factory-installed spyware — AceMagic says issue was contained to the first shipment" for details (would have included a link, but #forumpolicy).

This "response" from Acemagic (which, though I feel icky pointing it out, is a very Chinese company) reeks of hopeful obfuscation.
Title: Re: Virus scandal: Acemagic comments on infected PCs and offers affected customers several options
Post by: RobertJasiek on February 23, 2024, 14:32:52
Quote from: PhDave on February 23, 2024, 13:42:02would have included a link, but #forumpolicy

Unregistered users, like currently me, can post links as URL without protocol, for example:

www.google.com
Title: Re: Virus scandal: Acemagic comments on infected PCs and offers affected customers several options
Post by: lmao on February 23, 2024, 19:02:50
every brand including bigshots like hp/dell/lenovo was caught at some point having pre-installed malware or adware, keyloggers or having a critical vulnerability in pre-installed software

Title: Re: Virus scandal: Acemagic comments on infected PCs and offers affected customers several options
Post by: linnellaa on March 08, 2025, 08:51:14
Those opting to keep their devices could receive a refund amounting to 25% of the purchase price. This option required customers to perform a complete system reinstallation Drive Mad (https://drivingmad.org/) and delete all recovery partitions to ensure the removal of any potential malware.