2 Likes
I always do a factory reset on my boxes when I purchase one and stick a vpn on it for security reasons. You could also stick a antivirus app on for extra protection if you wanted.
I searched the product and came up with this.
Rufus AILooking for specific info?
Rufus is generating a responseâŚRufus is generating a responseâŚ
The H96 Max M9S Android TV Box doesnât come with VPN software pre-installed, but you can easily download VPN apps from the Google Play Store since it runs Android 14.
Popular VPN apps like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark are all available for Android and will work on this device. The box supports WiFi 6 and Gigabit Ethernet, providing fast connections for VPN use.
Want recommendations for the best VPN apps for streaming?
@KreigSr Thanks so much, but âRufus be WRONGâ this time! There is a serious issue with this box and I hereby issue a DO NOT BUY for anyone considering it.
If you buy one and can get Surfshark to load on it without stating there is already a vpn on it, I will recant my statement. H96 as a brand makes other models and I own a few that are fine. This one it seems as though they tried to sneak a little back door in. Otherwise, I have moved on and looking forward to some other box to test. Peace!
@Ste1982 Tried all of that, nothing worked. Sent it back. Thanks though for sure!
4 Likes
I have been using that same box for 6 months and did not have a problem installing SurfShark. I prefer it over my Nvidia.
Sincere Congrats @Pilot1. I hereby RECANT my previous statement due to this user successfully getting his box to (alledgedly) load and work correctly. Mine musta been a Lemon. 
HOWEVERâŚI stand by my decision to send it back (Thanks to those that recommended it) and have no desire to ever wrestle with it again.
To ease my weary mind, all I have to do is realize how fortunate I am to have a BUZZTV 6 Unlimited and its Massive 32 gigs of Ram! The TANK Never misses a beat and almost BEGS me to throw more at it. Its fast as lightning and smooth as silk. LOVE IT. Ill probably buy another Buzz Box soon.
Even though this article was from last year, it does have some good indicators of compromise. https://www.humansecurity.com/learn/blog/satori-threat-intelligence-disruption-badbox-2-0/
@iammclovin Thanks so much for that interesting article. I feel smarter after reading it, but my head hurts a little.
LOL! Youâre welcome! I didnât notice you returned it until after commenting. Short story is that some of that malware lives in the ROM, formatting and reimaging doesnât help.