Yes ... ! Dragon Touch KidzPad Y88X 10: Unveiling Security Concerns in Budget Tablets for Kids.
In search for a budget tablets for children, the Dragon Touch KidzPad Y88X 10 has gained significant popularity on Amazon. However, a recent examination conducted by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) sheds light on potential security risks associated with this seemingly innocent gadget. The tablet, despite being advertised for kids, was found to come preloaded with malware, riskware, and an outdated parental control app called KIDOZ.
EFF Research on Dragon Touch KidzPad:
The EFF's researchers delved into the Dragon Touch KidzPad Y88X 10 tablet available on Amazon and unearthed not just malware but also preinstalled riskware. The presence of an outdated parental control app named KIDOZ added another layer of concern. Following the EFF's investigation, Amazon removed the specific product from its platform, although other Y88X models continue to be available.
Amazon's History of Malware-Infected Devices:
Amazon has faced criticism in the past for selling devices with preinstalled malware. Earlier this year, the company garnered attention for offering a T95 Android TV box embedded with sophisticated, persistent malware. Despite awareness, Amazon continued selling compromised devices until February 2023, with both instances involving the same Corejava malware.
Customized Android Versions and Malware:
Many Android devices, including budget tablets, are built on Google's open-sourced Android operating system. Customized versions can, however, introduce undesired apps or bloatware, and in more malicious instances, preinstalled malware. The Dragon Touch Tablet, in this case, was found to harbor the notorious Corejava malware, indicating potential security risks.
Presence of Adups Malware:
The Dragon Touch tablet also came preloaded with Adups, classified as malware. Despite claims of "clean versions," this tablet featured Adups under the name "Wireless Update." Even after a factory reset, the application reappeared, making it impossible to uninstall or disable.
Privacy Concerns with Preinstalled Applications:
The tablet's preloaded applications, including an outdated KIDOZ app, raised privacy concerns. The KIDOZ app, despite being COPPA Certified, functions as adware and continues to collect and send data to Kidoz.net. Additionally, the app Kids Paint FREE was found to transmit precise GPS coordinates to a non-existent ad server, highlighting potential privacy and security implications.
Call for Amazon's Increased Cybersecurity Measures:
Despite Amazon's efforts to combat fake reviews, the presence of cybersecurity concerns, especially when children are the target audience, calls for increased vigilance. The EFF emphasizes the need for Amazon to address these issues more comprehensively.
The Dragon Touch KidzPad Y88X 10, once a popular budget tablet for kids, now stands under scrutiny due to security risks revealed by the EFF's research.
The presence of malware, riskware, and privacy concerns associated with preinstalled applications highlights the need for heightened cybersecurity measures, especially when catering to vulnerable young users.
Cyber Security is not a Joke.... Don't Let Anyone Hurt You!
Source: EFF's Research on Dragon Touch KidzPad by Deeba Ahmed