There’s nothing like catching the big game for free, but if it’s pirated content or an illegal stream, the hidden costs can turn that reality into a nightmare. For example, if you’re on an illegal streaming site, you may receive countless pop-up ads. Those ads are known to hide code that can drain your bank account, harm your laptop, or use your device to commit crimes.
Our goal at StreamSafely is to keep you (and your network) safe. To help, let’s discuss what really happens when you click “play” on the wrong sports streaming site and how to protect yourself.
Common Cybersecurity Risks of Illegal Sports Streaming
Illegal streams may be cheaper and sometimes faster than traditional service providers, but every time you visit these sites, you’re leaving your device, information, and identity susceptible to the dangers listed below.
Malware Infections
Malware, such as keyloggers, spyware, and Trojan horses, can be silently installed. Malicious software can log every word you type (including passwords), take screenshots of your sensitive information, and, like a greedy robber, leave your “back door” unlocked just so it can unleash cyberattacks in the future.
Personal Data Theft
Ever wonder how billions of people’s personal information gets on the dark web? Some of the biggest culprits are shady sites that harvest your personal information (IP address, passwords, browsing habits, etc.), then dump it in illegal marketplaces.
Ransomware Attacks
Cybercriminals have the tools, knowledge, and time to lock all the files on your computer. The good news is it can be reversed. The bad news is they’ll demand you pay them using your credit card or crypto. Many who get scammed on illegal sites don’t contact the police, because they were also breaking the law by pirating content.
Browser Hijackers
Your default search engine suddenly changes, ads follow you everywhere, and the hacker reinstalls itself after every reboot. Sometimes, it can take weeks or months to figure out your browser’s been hijacked.
Being Exposed as Part of a Botnet
Your device becomes a soldier in a large-scale phishing or DDoS campaign. These cyberhacking campaigns pose risks at all levels, from individuals to nations, and everything in between.
Risk of Exploit Kits
When operating systems, browsers, or plug-ins aren’t updated, they weaken security measures. These kits scan your system, find vulnerabilities, and hit them with proven attacks. Lesson: don’t delay updates.
The Ripple Effects of Cybersecurity Risks
In an age where you can find everything online for free, most consider illegal streaming harmless. However, the consequences can extend far beyond slow loading times:
- Financial losses from fraudulent charges or ransomware payments
- Identity theft (millions of reports filed every year)
- Irreversible damage to device
- Exposure to inappropriate content
- Legal penalties for copyright infringement
- Lost time and productivity while recovering from attacks
How to Protect Yourself From Illegal Sports Streaming Sites
Follow these best practices and you’ll never need a shady mirror link again:
Stick to Legal & Legitimate Streaming Services
Sure, you may not want to pay for a monthly subscription, but it’s cheaper than being hacked. Use recognizable streaming apps, like:
- ESPN+
- Fubo
- Hulu
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime
- Peacock
- Max
Most professional sports leagues also (NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB) have their own official apps that can be downloaded on most streaming devices.
Know How to Identify Illegal Sites
Odd spellings, endless redirects, and annoying pop-ups are hallmarks of a site that’s hosting illegal content, or at the very least, trying to take your data. When presented with these sites, there’s only one option: close the tabs, clear your cache/cookies, and reboot.
Related articles:
- 6 Tips for Recognizing Illegal Streaming Websites
- Spotting the Red Flags of Illegal Sports Streaming Websites
- 5 Red Flags: How to Know If a Streaming Site Is Illegal
Be Cautious with Pop-Ups and Links
Resist ads that say “Watch [insert sporting event] in 4K for free!” (or similar) at all costs. It might be tempting, but in an attempt to save a few bucks, that one click could cost you hundreds, thousands, or more, all at the hands of cybercriminals.
Use Cybersecurity Tools
A nuanced approach to cybersecurity won’t make you 100% unhackable, but it can lower the likelihood. This includes combining the strengths of updated antivirus software, VPN, ad-blockers, etc., to stop most malware attacks in their tracks.
Related articles:
Keep Your Software Updated
Quickly install the latest updates and patches for your router, phones, laptops, and apps. Hackers specifically target outdated systems. In many cases, it’s best to enable automatic updates because some security patches pushed by service providers are explicitly to cover loopholes that hackers exploited “last year.”
How StreamSafely Can Help You
Downloading pirated content (TV shows, sports events, movies, etc.) on illegal streaming platforms isn’t what it’s cracked up to be. At StreamSafely, we’re dedicated to providing you with the resources, tools, and knowledge to help avoid the inherent security risks of using bootleg streaming services.
