It is noted that hackers use streaming platforms, TV series and movies to distribute advertising and malware. They can add them to files with the names of popular shows, or use well-known brands to conduct phishing attacks, said Dmitry Galov, a cybersecurity expert at Kaspersky Lab.
"Among the malware there are various Trojans that allow, for example, to delete or block data, or steal passwords from online banking, as well as spyware that can be used to access information on the device,” said Mr. Galov.
Pirate sites may also request a person's social media data, passport, or Bankcard details under the pretext of completing a trial period. As a result, hackers will gain access to personal data, can steal money, and in other cases, start blackmailing the user.
According to the expert, in this regard, users need to watch movies through legal services, as well as install an antivirus on all devices.
If users need to download programs to watch a video, such as Flash Player, then they should leave these sites immediately.
"Even pirated sites no longer require additional software to be installed on your computer, be it Java or Flash Player. In no case should any files, including application files, as well as files declared as videos or documents, be downloaded from such sites,” said Artem Gavrichenkov, Technical Director of Qrator Labs.
In addition, experts have recently warned about the dangers of visiting financial services, mailboxes and social networks, as well as making online purchases through public points with free Wi-Fi.
Hackers can intercept and analyze data in the current session using public Wi-Fi networks, and then use the information obtained. Experts do not advise users to register or log in to sites from free points, so as not to pass critical information about the user to scammers.
