Millions of Fire TV Stick users watching Sky for free should be wary of these hidden dangers.
A new warning has been issued to those streaming premium TV at home, and it could put many off streaming for good. Millions of us have changed up our streaming habits from official platforms to cheaper online streaming options, which is no surprise given the cost-of-living crisis.
This method of watching live sports and blockbuster movies has boomed in popularity. Many people use ‘dodgy’ Fire TV Sticks to access premium content without paying high subscription fees issued by mainstream providers, reports The Mirror.
While dodgy streaming saves homes hundreds of pounds a year, a new warning might just be enough to put some off the money-saving habit.
The team at BeStreamWise has joined forces with security experts at McAfee to reveal some of the dangers of streaming illegally.
Those using ‘jailbroken’ gadgets to watch their favourite series can find themselves exposed to hidden malware, explicit pop-up adverts, and even handing their payment details over to cyber criminals.
Even when people think they are protected by anti-virus software, they can still face major issues.
“From malware hidden in ads to sophisticated scams promising free content, many illegal streaming sites expose people to threats that go far beyond what an anti-virus tool can handle,” explained Vonny Gamot, Head of EMEA at online protection company, McAfee.
“That’s why it’s important to stay informed about the latest online threats and best practices, to better protect your online privacy, identity and money.”
As well as warning users about staying safe, BeStreamWise and McAfee also say that there are plenty of myths about online streaming that can be misleading.
These include VPNs offering protecting from online piracy scams and buying a dodgy stick from a friend being less risky.
“57 percent of illegal streamers believe using a VPN reduces the risk of negative consequences associated with online piracy,” the experts explained.
“However, while VPNs can help secure your data in transit, they cannot protect you from giving out personal information on a malicious site, getting infected with malware and viruses, or guarantee complete anonymity.
“Over a third (34 percent) of illegal streamers doubt the dodgy box or stick they use is risky because they got it through someone they know.
“Regardless of who you purchase these from, jailbroken devices (which allow users to watch copyrighted content for free) unlock access to third-party and unverified apps which open the doors to harmful content, data breaches and data tracking.”
Other myths that experts have busted in this latest warning include the belief that illegal streaming doesn’t have any serious negative consequences and a dodgy box has the same level of security as a regular pay TV provider.
“More than half of Brits (53 percent) think that illegally streaming content is unlikely to have serious consequences such as financial loss or personal info being shared with others without their permission,” the team added.
“However, even though you may be paying a monetary fee for a jailbroken device, it is important to remember it is not a legitimate service and the act of ‘purchasing’ a subscription will involve sharing your financial information and funding organised criminal networks.”
Of course, getting access to premium telly for a fraction of the usual cost sounds exciting, but be aware that it comes with plenty of risks.
