Households across the UK are being warned to never use illegal ‘dodgy TV boxes’ after millions of Android users were hacked.
Last month 1.3 million Android-based streaming boxes globally were infected. The discovery raised concerns for users of smart home devices across the globe.
And now those taking part in streaming piracy could be the next casualty in a devastating Wi-Fi takeover scam.
Households that have bought modified streaming gadgets that allow them access to premium services, such as Sky and Premier League are at risk of being hacked.
Jailbroken TV boxes and sticks can cause your personal and financial information to be put into the greedy hands of cyber criminals.
Marijus Briedis, Chief Technology Officer at NordVPN, told The Sun: “Android-powered set-top TV boxes are hugely popular at the moment, particularly as they are relatively inexpensive and can be customised to viewer’s requirements.
“Much to the anger of streaming companies, they are often corrupted to become ‘dodgy boxes’ that allow users to access multiple services for free.
“Little do Brits know the security implications of having one of these, let alone the legal issues that could follow.”
A jailbroken Amazon Fire Stick unlocks access to unverified apps and services not included in the Amazon app store.
By default, you’re only allowed to install and use Amazon-approved apps. However, many households change the device’s setting in order to install third-party apps that are not available in the Amazon app store.
Some unverified third-party apps may threaten your privacy or security as unlike the apps in the Amazon app store thirdparty apps may not be thoroughly checked for security risks. This means they could contain third-party harmful codes that could steal your credentials and personal information, subscribe you to services without your permission, or harm your device.
Yet, most people wouldn’t realise if there were malicious third-party software installed on their device, alongside the software that lets them watch Sky shows for free.