Experts warn that Amazon Fire Sticks are increasingly being exploited by criminals to steal credit card information and infect users’ devices with malware.
Big tech companies have been accused of not doing enough to safeguard consumers and combat pirated content.
Amazon responded to reports that the tech is being exploited. In a statement, they said: “Pirated content violates our policies regarding intellectual property rights. It compromises the security and privacy of our customers. We work with industry partners and relevant authorities to combat piracy and protect customers from the risks associated with pirated content. Our Appstore prohibits apps that infringe upon the rights of third parties and we warn customers of the risks associated with installing or using apps from unknown sources.”
A recent report by Enders Analysis describes pirated video as an “enticing storefront” used by cybercriminals.
It revealed that illegal streams are now utilized by one in eight people aged 16 to 24, labeling the fight against it a “formidable challenge.”
The report also accused big tech firms of displaying “a combination of ambivalence and inertia.”
RSVP Live reports that 17 million people in Europe use pirated TV services, and a single pirate stream of a high-profile football match could potentially attract tens of thousands of viewers.
The report identified three ways piracy is currently thriving. Firstly, “opportunistic” restreaming of live events via social media.
Secondly, how streaming services can implant malware onto the viewer’s device.
The third method involves paid-for pirate TV via devices like the Fire Stick, which “masquerade as legitimate operators.”
The report labels the Fire TV Stick a “piracy enabler” due to its widespread use for illicit streaming of major events.
Although the device is designed to provide access to thousands of legitimate services when plugged into a TV, many users are exploiting it for unauthorized broadcasts.
In response to concerns about the Amazon Fire Stick, an Amazon spokesperson stated that the company had made adjustments to Fire TV to hinder the streaming of pirated content and cautions customers against using “sideloaded apps.”
