February 28, 2024 at 11:57PM
Acemagic, a Chinese PC maker, confirmed the presence of Bladabindi and Redline malware on some of its mini PCs. The company explained that developers’ adjustments to enhance user experience inadvertently caused the malware. Acemagic will issue refunds for affected machines and offer rebates for disinfecting and future purchases. The alleged malware incident has prompted caution towards the brand.
Based on the meeting notes, the key takeaways are:
– Acemagic admitted that some of its products were shipped with pre-installed malware, including Bladabindi and potentially Redline.
– The malware was detected by YouTuber The Net Guy on Acemagic mini PCs and was acknowledged by Acemagic last week.
– Acemagic provided an explanation that attributed the malware to software adjustments made by developers to reduce boot times, impacting network settings and omitting digital signatures.
– The company has offered refunds for machines made between September and November 2023, and has advised owners to check the date of manufacture recorded on stickers affixed to the models AD08, AD15, and S1.
– Acemagic is also providing clean system images to disinfect the machines and is offering a 25 percent purchase price rebate for owners who do so, as well as a ten percent discount voucher for future purchases for owners of infected machines.
– The Register’s planned review of an Acemagic machine has been put on hold following the malware discovery.