Tech expert warns of 'Wi-Fi takeover' if you use an IPTV dodgy box

A technology expert has issued worrying advice to those who use 'dodgy boxes' to watch illegal streams offered by IPTV services.

Internet protocol television is streamed by millions on jailbroken media devices, such as an Amazon Fire Stick or Roku's equivalent, to watch the latest TV shows and films, as well as live sporting events like the Premier League and La Liga.

In a world where the cost of subscription TV is getting more and more expensive, with the content we want to tune in to often split across multiple services like Netflix, Sky Sports, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+, people are seeking out cheaper ways to binge their favourite productions.

It's hardly a surprise, especially given the cost of living crisis we have endured in recent years.

But it is illegal, with normal folk paying below market rate fees for media libraries containing content from across numerous streaming outlets.

With illegal streaming comes victims, AKA the individuals working in the TV and film industry. With less money being generated through official channels, there's less cash being put back in to the industry for future projects, so say critics of IPTV.

But they aren't the only victims. Those streaming illegal content are also putting themselves at risk of being one.

That's according to one Marijus Briedis, Chief Technology Officer at NordVPN. And the guys at NordVPN kind of know what they're talking about when it comes to cyber security, with the company set up back in 2012 to encrypt customers' traffic and shield their IP address, granting people a virtual location online.

Illegal streaming services are often accessed via jailbroken Amazon fire sticks (Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

Speaking to The Sun, Briedis said: "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."

It comes as security company Doctor Web revealed that almost 1.3 million Android TV boxes have been hacked in the UK due to third party apps being installed on the devices, leaving them open to malware attacks.

Many IPTV services are run by people involved in organised crime, with the money you pay for the illegal streaming services pocketed by them.

Hackers could target you (Getty Stock Images)

With many of these jailbroken IPTV devices coming pre-loaded with the necessary third party app to watch content, there is a large risk of the devices also being preloaded with malware that can spy on your activity. And once connected to your Wi-Fi network, the malware can access the internet and spy on any other content that goes across your local network.

This includes the likes of online banking passwords and other important personal information. And not just yours, but anyone else who also uses your Wi-Fi network.

Briedis adds: "Devices such as computers and phones will always be more coveted by cybercriminals looking to steal your personal data, as they contain the most amount of information about the user. They contain access to your mobile and internet banking, identification details, contacts, email and messaging history, even notes apps that may contain passwords and hastily scrawled pin numbers.

“The trouble is that most people are now aware of the dangers of criminals accessing our mobile phones and PCs and have layers of security to minimise the risks of being hacked.

"Something like your TV, your Wi-Fi or your smart home devices are much less likely to have any protections and can be an easy entry point for cyber crooks."