Over 1 million kodi boxes in the UK could have hijacked by cyber-criminals

[Len]

If you use a Kodi box to stream or download illegal content, then cyber criminals could be using you to make money, a new report has revealed.

The report gives a first-of-its-kind insight into how criminals are profiting from pirating content.

One of the scariest tactics highlighted in the report includes putting malware on sites that allows criminals to hijack your computer and spy on you.

The report, titled Cracking Down on Digital Piracy, was created by experts from the Intellectual Property Office, FACT, City of London Police, Police 

Intellectual Property Crime Unit, Police Scotland and Entura International.

It gives an insight into digital piracy criminality in the UK, and the crackdown to prevent it.

The report found that over one million illegal set-top boxes with add-ons, such as Kodi, were sold in the UK in the last two years, putting the public at significant risk.

While the majority of criminals behind digital piracy make their money from advertising – typically banner ads or pop-up windows for casinos or dating sites – the report highlights a range of tactics used.

Other money-making scams include subscription fees to access paid-for channels, and charging other criminals to put malware on sites and hijack users' computers.

The report estimates that hundreds of millions of pounds go to these criminal groups every year.

Kieron Sharp, Director General at FACT, said: 'This report has come at a crucial time in our fight against digital piracy.

'A quarter of Brits access digital material illegally, and often don't realise the risks associated with that, for them and their families.

'Pirates are not Robin Hood characters; they are criminals who do it to make money through illicit means.

'As a result, the risks are high – inappropriate advertising that could be seen by young children, electrical safety associated with counterfeit parts, and financial cyber crime.'

The report also mentions several concerning trends emerging that consumers should be aware of.

Firstly, it highlights that the availability of illegal add-ons to Kodi software – which have no security standards or controls - has helped organised gangs reach a wider audience.

The report also found that social media streaming has overtaken web streaming, helping criminals attract more viewers and putting more users at risk of malware security issues.

The 'dark web' is also mentioned, in which more criminal gangs are using the dark web - hidden from the mainstream internet – to sell illicit information, such as the illegal software used to modify set-top boxes or the customer data they've acquired through malware.

And finally the report found that many criminals are moving their businesses online, helping them to remain anonymous and avoid capture.

DCI Pete Ratcliffe, Head of PIPCU, said: 'While it may be tempting for people to think they are getting a bargain when streaming illegally, it's important to remember that there are organised criminals behind it, often associated with other serious crimes.

'Pirating content is not a petty crime; from release groups, to site operators to set-top box wholesalers and distributors, there is an international criminal business model.'