Recent cybercrime research, unveiled today, sheds light on concerning statistics regarding Irish attitudes towards illegal streaming. Conducted on behalf of the BeStreamWise campaign, aimed at highlighting the dangers of illegal streaming, the research reveals that 43% of the Irish population lacks awareness of the associated risks. This is despite nearly one in three individuals (31%) reporting that they or someone they know has fallen victim to fraud, scams, or identity theft due to illegal streaming.
Additionally, 45% of Irish citizens perceive illegal streaming as unsafe, equating the risks involved with activities such as accessing banking apps on public Wi-Fi or transmitting bank details online. However, illegal streaming services are often operated by sophisticated criminal networks, exposing users to potential fraud, scams, and identity theft. Accessing these services and providing personal data can inadvertently grant criminals access to sensitive information, leaving individuals vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Jenny Radcliffe, Social Engineer and People Hacker, emphasized the misconception that illegal streaming is a victimless crime, highlighting the presence of malicious links and tactics used by criminals to exploit users’ digital and financial information. Engaging in illegal streaming activities can make individuals susceptible to various forms of fraud and cyber threats, with little recourse for recovering losses.
BeStreamWise.com, in collaboration with Jenny Radcliffe, offers recommendations for staying safe while streaming content:
- Exercise caution with online pop-up ads and streaming service advertisements, verifying their legitimacy independently by conducting research.
- Refrain from sharing personal or financial information online unless certain of dealing with a legitimate brand. Be wary of urgency tactics employed by adverts and verify information before taking action.
- Utilize unique, strong passwords for accounts and avoid password reuse. Consider using a password manager and enable multi-factor authentication for added security.
- Regularly monitor bank statements and report any suspicious activity to your bank.
- Stay vigilant against scams across various communication channels and verify requests before providing sensitive information or clicking on links.
BeStreamWise, formed in partnership with industry leaders in sports, film, and television, including FACT, IPO, Crimestoppers, BASE, Sky, Premier League, and ITV, aims to educate viewers on the personal risks associated with illegal streaming and provide legal alternatives for accessing content safely. BeStreamWise.com offers resources for learning, staying informed, and identifying legal avenues for streaming favorite content.