This blog is intended to advise readers of the risks involved with streaming stolen/pirated IPTV content.  In this article we will explain what IPTV is, how it works, identify how streaming  

Pirates (hackers) use pirated IPTV content to access your online identity and how to prevent TV/Video piracy.  

What is IPTV? 

IPTV or Internet Protocol Television is the delivery/distribution of live or on demand TV/Video content to an end user via the internet.   

How Does IPTV Work?     

An IPTV service is accessed by using an internet streaming set-top box or device that can decode internet protocol signals and convert them into media (i.e. Firestick or Roku media players).  When a viewer or end user subscribes to an IPTV or OTT (Over-the-Top) service, they are provided with an authentication key or user access credentials that grants them access to the provider’s media library.  The end user can then select from a list of available TV channels or Video-On-Demand content. Once the user requests a particular media asset, that information is sent from the source provider to the end user’s location or device which is identified or detected by an IP address.  This unique IP address is linked to a device that includes personal information about the end user which allows the source provider to confirm that the content is being delivered to the correct subscriber. 

Piracy and Illegal Streaming 

Video piracy is on the rise and the proliferation of illegal IPTV services poses significant cybersecurity risks.  “Streaming Pirates” or hackers steal content from various OTT providers and compile the stolen content into a nicely made-up TV and VOD eco-system to entice users by offering access to their content at a reduced price or even free of charge in some cases.  Users who access this pirated streaming content unknowingly expose themselves to malware or phishing attacks.  Once the user accesses the pirated video service, the Streaming Pirate will track their location over the internet via their unique IP address.  The potential consequences of such attacks can lead to data theft, identity fraud and/or huge financial losses for the end user.  To make matters worse, because these activities are illegal, victims may have little or no recourse for their losses and in some cases may face criminal charges themselves.   

Solutions for preventing Video Piracy and associated Cyber Threats 

Sometimes the most experienced TV/video streaming end users can be manipulated by streaming pirates and their creative approach to cyber-attacks.  It is crucial that end users ensure they align themselves with legitimate/trusted TV/Video content source providers that use secure solutions to safeguard subscribers’ streaming experience.  The two most trusted solutions are: 

• DRM (Digital Rights Management) 

• Watermarking 

Digital Rights Management – is the method of encrypting video using advanced streaming technologies to protect the rights of copyright holders and prevent unauthorized distribution or manipulation.  DRM acts as shield to torrent downloads and online video piracy. 

Watermarking – an effective method to assert ownership of TV/Video content and deter unauthorized video distribution.  This is done by embedding a signal into the TV/Video stream to identify its owner and source. 

Key Take Aways  

Prevention is better than cure.  The most effective way to safeguard your streaming experience is to align yourself with a trusted and proven IPTV/OTT service provider.  Service providers like Aliv Fibr, Netflix, Prime Video, etc., will utilize secure solutions to protect content rights holders and the identity of their subscribers.