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According to the latest update, you download and install the most recent network driver for your machine. If you own a Geekom mini-PC, you may now need to completely wipe Windows and start all over. You’re a conscientious computer owner.
According to the latest update, while Geekom no longer linked to it within its own site, the page was still indexed by search engines—leading people directly to the bad programs. The issue: A legacy support webpage served malware-laced network drivers for Geekom’s A7, A8, AE7, AE8, AX7 Pro and AX8 Pro models.
As part of the ongoing story, the issue was initially identified by Reddit users as early as December 2024. As verified by Videocardz.com, installing the tainted drivers allowed hackers to place a backdoor on affected PCs, spy on activity, redirect internet traffic, and interfere with normal operation of Windows apps.
According to the latest update, (No word still on how the malware ended up in an official programs download.) However, if you believe your PC is affected, you should take immediate steps to secure your PC. With this type of malware on your system, someone could steal information from your computer while maintaining persistent access to it, too. Following Videocardz.com’s initial report, Geekom pulled down the problematic legacy page.
In a fresh development, (Completely nuke everything, then reinstall Windows.) Because of the malware type, you want to start over from scratch. The fix: Back up your documents and files, then perform a clean install of Windows.
As part of the ongoing story, if that doesn’t work, look up the manufacturer of the devices component, then head to that vendor’s site. (You can usually find this information on your device’s official specifications page.) For the Geekom mini-PCs, the Realtek website has the necessary network driver. In general, the smart move is to get drivers through Windows first.
The report highlights that googling for a support page isn’t always safe—at least, not when you’re dealing with smaller firms. They may not maintain or invest in programs verification, especially for legacy pages. The other takeaway?
According to the latest update, since joining the team in 2016, she’s written about CPUs, Windows, PC building, Chrome, Raspberry Pi, and much more—while also serving as PCWorld’s resident bargain hunter (#slickdeals). Currently her focus is on security, helping people understand how best to protect themselves online. Her work has previously appeared in PC Gamer, IGN, Maximum PC, and Official Xbox Magazine. A 15-year veteran of technology and video platform releases journalism, Alaina Yee covers a variety of topics for PCWorld.