A fresh warning has been issued to households streaming premium TV services, such as Sky and TNT Sports, for free, which could deter many from this increasingly popular practice. It's well-known that millions have transitioned away from official platforms in favour of more affordable online streaming.
This method of watching live sports and blockbuster films has surged in popularity, with many utilising so-called 'dodgy' Fire TV Sticks to access premium content without the hefty subscription fees, saving hundreds of pounds annually.
However, a new cautionary note might be enough to dissuade some. BeStreamWise, in collaboration with security specialists at McAfee, has highlighted some of the risks associated with illegal streaming, presenting some alarming findings.
Users employing 'jailbroken' devices for their nightly entertainment can find themselves vulnerable to concealed malware, intrusive pop-up adverts, and even inadvertently providing their payment details to cybercriminals. Even those who believe they are safeguarded by antivirus software can still encounter significant problems, reports the Mirror.
Vonny Gamot, Head of EMEA at McAfee, warns of the dangers lurking on illegal streaming sites: "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," she cautioned. "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."
Beside alerting internet users about online safety, both BeStreamWise and McAfee have highlighted the fallacies surrounding online streaming.
Common misconceptions include beliefs such as VPNs providing immunity from piracy risks and purchasing questionable devices from acquaintances posing lesser danger.
Experts shed light on the false sense of security among illicit streamers: "57% of illegal streamers believe using a VPN reduces the risk of negative consequences associated with online piracy," they clarified.
But they warn: "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."
Additionally, they pointed out a misguided trust in familiar sources of pirated devices: "Over a third (34%) 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."
The experts further explained the inherent risks: "Over a third (34%) 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."
The latest warning also debunks other misconceptions, including the notion that illegal streaming doesn't carry significant adverse effects and that a dubious box offers the same security level as a standard pay TV provider.
"More than half of Brits (53%) believe that illegally streaming content is unlikely to result in serious repercussions such as financial loss or personal information being shared without their consent," the team elaborated.
"However, it's crucial to remember that even if you're paying a fee for a jailbroken device, it's not a legitimate service. The act of 'purchasing' a subscription involves sharing your financial details and supporting organised criminal networks."
While the prospect of accessing premium television at a fraction of the usual cost may seem enticing, it's important to be mindful of the associated risks.
