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Geekom Mini PC Drivers Trigger Malware Alert on VirusTotal

Owen Carter 2 min read

Geekom mini PC driver packages contain an executable flagged as malware by antivirus scanners. Users of A8, AE8, and other models should use Windows Update.

Geekom Mini PC Drivers Trigger Malware Alert on VirusTotal
PC HARDWARE

Geekom mini PC owners face a potential security risk when downloading drivers from the company's official website. A standard driver package for several models contains an executable that antivirus scanners flag as malware. Users who rely on OEM bundles for network connectivity should pause before installing these files. This alert impacts buyers of the A8, AE8, A87, AE7, and AX8 Pro who need to maintain their LAN connections.

Users should avoid official bundles and use Windows Update instead

The flagged executable resides in the LAN driver folder and is identified as a PCIe driver. This specific driver file is shared across multiple Geekom mini PC models, including the A8, AE8, A87, AE7, and AX8 Pro. The AE8 model with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage currently lists for around $585.65 on Amazon. The issue stems from the driver package itself rather than a unique hardware defect in individual units.

Security scanners on VirusTotal, FileScan, and MetaDefender consistently flagged the executable as malicious. The consistency across these platforms raises concerns about the integrity of the file in Geekom's official archive. However, antivirus flags do not always confirm actual malware presence. The article notes that not every malware flag tends to be accurate, leaving the true nature of the file uncertain.

Geekom has not yet responded to reports regarding the flagged driver. Until the vendor clarifies the situation, users should avoid using the official driver bundle for network setup. We recommend installing network drivers through Windows Update or directly from component manufacturers like Realtek. This approach bypasses the potentially compromised OEM package and ensures a safer installation process.

The situation highlights a gap in driver verification for mini PC manufacturers. While Geekom offers driver support, the current package poses a risk that users must navigate carefully. The company's silence leaves buyers without official guidance on whether the file is a false positive or genuine malware. Users should prioritize third-party driver sources until Geekom provides a clear update.

Source: NotebookCheck

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