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  • #4244568

    Can a Chromecast be infected with malware and spread it?

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    by Oblivion99 ·

    Dear all

    I have always considered open networks without password insecure.

    When a Chromecast device is not connected to a wifi network, it creates its own wireless network.

    The scenario:
    There is no other router, network, wifi etc.

    The Chromecast creates a wireless network.

    There is no password on the Chromecasts wireless network – anyone within range can see and access it.

    Hacker connects to Chromecats wireless network >
    Hacker infects the Chromecast with malware >
    Device X connects to Chromecast wireless network >
    The malware on the Chromecast infects device X

    Is this possible?
    Or is this purely theoretical / NSA-level stuff?

    Thank you

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    • #4244600
      Avatar photo

      Reply To: Can a Chromecast be infected with malware and spread it?

      by birdmantd ·

      In reply to Can a Chromecast be infected with malware and spread it?

      Anything is possible if the device has access to the internet, even with anti-spam ware/anti-virus applications in place.

      “Every time they make computers/devices foolproof, the hackers invent a bigger fool.”

    • #4244859

      Can a Chromecast be infected with malware and spread it?

      by johnjames65322 ·

      In reply to Can a Chromecast be infected with malware and spread it?

      While Chromecast’s guest network is open, infecting it to spread malware is unlikely. More common threats are on unsecured networks you connect to, not the Chromecast itself.

      Focus on keeping your Chromecast updated and using strong passwords on your WiFi network for better security.

      • #4259336

        Unlikely, but possible?

        by Oblivion99 ·

        In reply to Can a Chromecast be infected with malware and spread it?

        “infecting it to spread malware is unlikely”
        But it is possible?

        What hacker level would you say it requires?
        Great hacker?
        NSA-level?

        Thank you

        • #4259368
          Avatar photo

          Reply To: Can a Chromecast be infected with malware and spread it?

          by kees_b ·

          In reply to Unlikely, but possible?

          If the network has no password, and the firewall on the Chromecast has all ports open, then anybody who knows what to send to such a port can access the Chromecast. Don’t do that.

        • #4261083

          Followup questions

          by Oblivion99 ·

          In reply to Reply To: Can a Chromecast be infected with malware and spread it?

          The network the Chromecast created is open / no password.

          1.
          Do you think that Chromecast has only the essential ports open?
          Or all ports open?

          2.
          But it would still require, that the Chromecast somehow could store the malicious data received.
          And then also be able to spread the malicious data.
          What do you think about that?

        • #4261113
          Avatar photo

          Reply To: Can a Chromecast be infected with malware and spread it?

          by kees_b ·

          In reply to Followup questions

          1. What exactly are “essential ports”? I think the answer to your question depends on the firewall settings. Check those on your Chomebook and tell us the result.
          2. I think it depends on the port that is opened. If it’s something like remote desktop, it can do more harm than if it’s just used for ping.

        • #4262304

          Google Chromecast

          by Oblivion99 ·

          In reply to Reply To: Can a Chromecast be infected with malware and spread it?

          I don’t know how to access those og see those on the Google Chromecast. I will try to ask their support. If I get a valid response, I can post it here.

          In regard of:
          Hacker connects to Chromecats wireless network >
          Hacker infects the Chromecast with malware >
          Device X connects to Chromecast wireless network >
          The malware on the Chromecast infects device X

          What hacker level would you say it requires?
          Great hacker?
          NSA-level?

          Thank you

    • #4250766

      Reply To: Can a Chromecast be infected with malware and spread it?

      by ihtishamm255 ·

      In reply to Can a Chromecast be infected with malware and spread it?

      Chromecast devices can potentially be vulnerable to malware if they are compromised through insecure networks or malicious apps. While rare, malware could theoretically spread through a compromised Chromecast to other devices on the same network, especially if those devices have vulnerabilities. It’s crucial to keep your Chromecast updated with the latest firmware and use it on secure networks to mitigate these risks.

      • This reply was modified 7 months, 1 week ago by ihtishamm255.
      • This reply was modified 7 months, 1 week ago by Avatar photokees_b.
      • #4251757

        What about in my specific scenario?

        by Oblivion99 ·

        In reply to Reply To: Can a Chromecast be infected with malware and spread it?

        Hacker connects to Chromecats own wireless network >
        Hacker infects the Chromecast with malware >
        Device X connects to Chromecasts own wireless network >
        The malware on the Chromecast infects device X

        Would it only be possible to do by the best hackers in the world?

        Or is this purely theoretical / NSA-level stuff?

        Thank you

      • #4266807

        Scenario explained

        by Oblivion99 ·

        In reply to Reply To: Can a Chromecast be infected with malware and spread it?

        Scenario explained:
        Hacker connects to Chromecats own wireless network >
        Hacker infects the Chromecast with malware >
        Device X connects to Chromecasts own wireless network >
        The malware on the Chromecast infects device X

        Where on the hacker scale are?
        Good hacker NSA-level?

        Thank you

    • #4272723

      To sumup

      by Oblivion99 ·

      In reply to Can a Chromecast be infected with malware and spread it?

      1.
      Scenario explained:
      Hacker connects to Chromecats own wireless network >
      Hacker infects the Chromecast with malware >
      Device X connects to Chromecasts own wireless network >
      The malware on the Chromecast infects device X

      Where on the hacker scale are?
      Good hacker NSA-level?

      2.
      If a compromised or infected Chromecast tried to attack or infect the system.
      Would Microsoft Defender Real-time protection then prevent it?

      Thank you

    • #4272727
      Avatar photo

      Reply To: Can a Chromecast be infected with malware and spread it?

      by kees_b ·

      In reply to Can a Chromecast be infected with malware and spread it?

      Discussion closed.

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