Hackers are reportedly stealing an average of £1,680 from individuals who engage in illegal streaming of movies and TV shows, according to a study by BeStreamWise. The survey of 2,000 participants found that 18% experienced malware infections related to illegal streaming, with 41% of those affected losing substantial amounts of money. Many illegal streamers are using work devices, with 68% streaming on work phones and 58% on work laptops. One victim, David, recounted losing nearly £2,000 after entering his PayPal details on an unofficial sports streaming site. Experts warn that illegal streaming sites are often riddled with malware, making users’ personal and financial information vulnerable to theft.
Why It Matters
The rise in illegal streaming has been accompanied by a significant increase in cybercrime, with 247 billion visits to piracy websites globally in 2024, up from 216 billion the previous year. These unregulated sites are attractive to hackers because they often prompt users to download unknown apps or enter payment details under the pretense of accessing free content. Once malware infiltrates a device, it can compromise sensitive information and lead to financial loss. The ongoing prevalence of illegal streaming raises concerns about cybersecurity and the potential for widespread financial fraud among users.
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