The common tactics used by pirate streaming services to lure consumers include:
- Free or low-cost content: Offering free movies and TV shows or making illegal content available at a fraction of the cost of legitimate streaming services.
- Easy access: Providing user-friendly interfaces and simple registration processes so users can watch movies with little to no hassle.
- Vast content libraries: Offering a wide range of content, often including the latest releases.
- Peer-to-peer (P2P) networks: Utilizing P2P technology to distribute content, making it difficult for authorities to track.
Pirates use one or more distribution methods to offer customers stolen content through streaming services.
- Subscription-based apps and web services
- Hardware-based devices
- Advertising-supported services
1. Subscription-based apps and web services
Streaming sites and apps are frequent sources of pirated content. Pirates lure consumers with promises like, “stream movies online for free” or “free sports streaming.” Not to be confused with authorized streaming sites like Disney+, pirate streaming sites aggregate and offer unauthorized, stolen content.
In addition, peer-to-peer (P2P) filesharing websites or apps, which serve legitimate purposes, may also be used by pirates to upload unauthorized, stolen content for viewing. BitTorrent and uTorrent are examples of P2P filesharing tools.
Some pirate subscription services allow stolen content to be streamed directly to Smart TV’s, bypassing the need for a device or a computer browser.
2. Hardware-based devices
Pirated content may also be offered through a device, such as an Amazon Fire Stick, which has been jailbroken or altered so that additional software like Kodi or Plex apps can be installed. Kodi is an open-source media player that serves as a central hub for playing video, audio and gaming applications. But it can also be used to enable add-on services which may provide access to pirated channels and stolen videos.
Pirate streaming sites and services also sell boxes that have been jailbroken and include services that enable access to their stolen content. These services are often detected and shut down, leaving the user with a ‘brick’ – a useless piece of hardware on which they spent hard-earned money and potentially compromised their credit card information. Read how London commuters unknowingly signed up for a free streaming-for-life scam.
3. Advertising-supported services
Ad-supported services offer free sports streaming and the ability to watch new movies online for free or at very low prices by including advertisements. Although many such services are legit, some may include unauthorized, stolen content and are considered piracy sites. Another potential problem with ad-supported services is that the site operators often have to utilize second and/or third-party sources for ads, and sometimes those ads lead unsuspecting users to malware-infected sites created by hackers. Keep your IP address safe by using your online streaming devices wisely and contacting your ISP if you have any questions or concerns about your network security.
While pirate streaming sites may offer free movies and TV shows, they often come with significant risks. These platforms can be a breeding ground for cybercriminals who distribute illegal content through file-sharing networks like BitTorrent. Additionally, using these sites can expose you to copyright infringement and legal penalties. To protect yourself and avoid these risks, it’s essential to use authorized streaming platforms. By supporting legitimate services, you help maintain a healthy digital ecosystem and contribute to the creation of high-quality content. Remember, cybersecurity should be a top priority, and using adblockers can help mitigate the risk of encountering malicious content on the web.
Interested in learning more?
Find safe movie and tv show streaming sites on our “Where to Watch” page.
