**The Hidden Dangers of Illegal Streaming**
Illegal streaming of premium TV channels such as Sky, BT Sport, TNT Sports, and Amazon Prime Video has become increasingly popular in recent years. Many households have opted out of official platforms to save money on subscription fees. However, the convenience of free streaming comes with a multitude of hidden risks. **The Risks of Illegal Streaming**
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- Malware and viruses
- Pop-up ads and intrusive ads
- Loss of payment details to cybercriminals
- Exposure to sophisticated scams promising free content
- Compromised online privacy, identity, and money
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According to BeStreamWise, in collaboration with security experts at McAfee, the risks associated with illegal streaming are quite alarming. Those who resort to “jailbroken” devices to watch premium content may find themselves vulnerable to these hidden threats. A recent warning from BeStreamWise and McAfee highlights the importance of staying informed about the latest online threats and best practices to better protect online privacy, identity, and money. **Vonny Gamot, Head of EMEA at McAfee, emphasizes the need to stay vigilant**:
“The risks associated with illegal streaming far exceed what an anti-virus tool can handle. Malware hidden in ads, sophisticated scams, and exposure to cybercriminals are just a few of the dangers that come with this practice.”
Vonny Gamot’s warning also debunks several misconceptions about online streaming. For instance, **most users believe that VPNs provide protection from online piracy scams**, but this is not the case. “57% of illegal streamers believe using a VPN reduces the risk of negative consequences associated with online piracy,” the experts clarified. “However, while VPNs can help secure data in transit, they cannot protect users from giving out personal information on a malicious site, getting infected with malware and viruses, or guarantee complete anonymity.”
Furthermore, the warning highlights the misconception that purchasing a dodgy box or stick from someone known reduces the risk of negative consequences. **Over a third of illegal streamers doubt the risk of a dodgy box or stick**, despite the fact that jailbroken devices unlock access to third-party and unverified apps that open the doors to harmful content, data breaches, and data tracking. In addition to debunking misconceptions, the warning also emphasizes the importance of staying informed about the latest online threats. **More than half of Brits think that illegally streaming content is unlikely to have serious consequences**, including financial loss or personal info being shared with others without permission. **The Reality of Illegal Streaming**
Getting your hands on premium TV at a fraction of the usual price may seem tempting, but it comes with a multitude of risks. **The risks of illegal streaming are very real**, and users should be aware of the potential consequences.
| Risk | Consequence |
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| Malware and viruses | Compromised device, loss of data, and potential financial loss |
| Pop-up ads and intrusive ads | Distraction, data breaches, and potential identity theft |
| Loss of payment details to cybercriminals | Financial loss, identity theft, and compromised credit score |
| Sophisticated scams promising free content | Financial loss, compromised identity, and potential data breaches |
**Conclusion**
The warning issued by BeStreamWise and McAfee serves as a reminder to users of the hidden dangers of illegal streaming. By staying informed about the latest online threats and best practices, users can better protect their online privacy, identity, and money.
Staying Safe Online
To protect yourself from the risks of illegal streaming, follow these best practices:
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- Use a reputable antivirus software
- Stay informed about the latest online threats
- Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi for online activities
- Regularly update your device and software
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By following these best practices, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with illegal streaming and stay safe online.
