Housholds have been given a new warning as Amazon’s block on illegal streaming looms closer.
With millions of households across the globe dodging subscription fees to watch premium content on corrupt devices, technology experts have issued a fresh warning as Scots are leaving themselves vulnerable to being attacked and having their money stolen.
It was announced earlier in the year that Amazon was cracking down on illegal streaming on its Fire TV Stick devices. Having already begun in Europe and quickly making its way to the UK, this major change will see any apps offering illegal content instantly blocked by the app store.
This crackdown is set to keep users and content creators safe from being attacked, as many people are unaware that these ‘dodgy’ fire sticks could be leaving malware on your devices and stealing money for your pocket. However, despite this push for safety, many homes would rather risk it than pay for multiple subscription services.
Speaking to the Express, an Amazon spokesperson said: “Piracy is illegal, and we’ve always worked to block it from our App store.
“Through an expanded program led by the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), a global coalition fighting digital piracy, we’ll now block apps identified as providing access to pirated content, including those downloaded from outside our Appstore.
“This builds on our ongoing efforts to support creators and protect customers, as piracy can also expose users to malware, viruses, and fraud.”
However, with the lockdown slowly creeping towards the UK, many households are looking for alternative methods to stream illegally. This includes switching to other readily available devices, such as IPTV boxes, that are advertised on social media and the web.
For those contemplating taking the risk, tech experts are urging households to consider how much damage these illegal streaming devices can actually cause.
Sebastien Lahtinen, director of Thinkbroadband.com, said: “With household budgets under real strain, we’re seeing many people take risks they wouldn’t normally consider, including turning to dubious IPTV boxes.
“The problem is that these devices often come with unknown software which could be used to run malware, harvest your personal data, or potentially use your Internet connection for botnets. For the sake of saving a few pounds a month, people can end up taking some very real cybersecurity risks.”
As these devices offer all of your favourite films, TV shows and sports for a fraction of the cost compared to Virgin and Sky, they can become all the more appealing during the winter months when many of us are stuck inside trying to avoid the cold weather.
New research from BeStreamWise has found that 38 per cent of Brits would consider streaming content illegally over the Christmas break.
However, what is more worrying is that the team found that nearly nine out of ten of Brits aren’t thinking about the risk that could come as a consequence of doing so.
Rob Shapland, an ethical hacker with 16 years’ experience in cyber security, said: “Illegal streaming over the festive period could turn Christmas viewing into a costly mistake, particularly this year when more devices than ever are connected in our homes.
“It’s just not worth it. Those turning to illegal streaming sites or apps are exposing themselves to phishing attacks, malware, malicious ads and compromised platforms designed specifically to harvest personal and financial data. Instead, enjoy the brilliant Christmas TV schedule in a safe – and legal – way.”
