ACEMAGIC confirms disaster: PCs with pre-installed malware sold due to lack of digital signatures

If we want a computer, we have the option to buy it in parts or pre-assembled. In the case of purchasing individual components, it will be cheaper, and we can build that perfect PC with our budget. However, many people do not want to deal with finding optimal parts and checking compatibility. Many end up purchasing pre-assembled PCs, and ACEMAGIC offers miniaturized versions at an affordable price. It has been revealed after a few years of selling them that these Mini PCs had pre-installed malware, and now that ACEMAGIC has confirmed it, they are willing to offer compensation to those affected.

Computers are essential machines in our lives, as they help us study, complete school/university tasks, work, or serve as entertainment tools. Not everything is about having a gaming PC, as computers stand out for the variety of tasks we can perform with them. It is common for families to have at least one PC (or laptop) at home, and it is not necessary to spend too much on these either.

ACEMAGIC’s Mini PCs manufactured before November 18, 2023, come with included malware

Although Mini PCs are more of a niche product, some people prioritize having a small, relatively powerful computer that does not take up much space on the desk. These computers are typical in China and can be purchased from stores like AliExpress at a low cost. However, brands like ACEMAGIC sell their Mini PCs at an affordable price on platforms like Amazon, making them more appealing to users. Until recently, we have seen reviews and offers of this brand’s computers, and they even have a laptop on Amazon for just 320 euros with 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of SSD.

Their Mini PCs have prices ranging from 139 dollars/euros to 1,799 euros, where we are talking about a miniature computer with an RTX 3080 and an i9. This, combined with positive media reviews and over 4 stars on Amazon, immediately made them quite interesting devices to buy. The problem is that the harsh reality has now been revealed, and it turns out that the ACEMAGIC Mini PCs came with pre-installed viruses. Specifically, Bladabindi and Redline malware were identified (with Windows Defender) in the ENDEV folder of these computers.

ACEMAGIC offers 3 options: return, exchange, or keep and receive compensation of up to 25% of the price

After the news became known, an investigation was conducted, and according to ACEMAGIC, it is due to inappropriate adjustments made to Microsoft’s source code without obtaining the software’s digital signatures. They have also stated that the affected customers are those who received a mini PC manufactured before November 18, 2023. For all victims of the computers with malware, ACEMAGIC offers its customers 3 options.

On the one hand, there is the possibility of returning the product, receiving a refund, and the company covering the shipping costs. This method will only work for PCs manufactured between September and November 18. The second option is for customers to remove the malware themselves and reinstall Windows. Here, ACEMAGIC will provide the operating system, and customers who decide to keep their products will receive compensation of up to 25% of the PC’s price. The third option is to request an exchange, returning the infected PC and receiving a new one without malware. Finally, ACEMAGIC will offer additional compensation: affected customers will receive a minimum 10% discount to buy any device.

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