Brits who use illegal 'dodgy boxes' issued Wi-Fi warning that could have major consequences

'Dodgy box' users have been issued an important security warning that could have major consequences.

Brits up and down the country are using the illegal streaming box to watch their favourite shows, films, and live sporting events.

Whether it's a box or a modified Amazon Fire stick, we all probably know someone who has used one in the past.

“Android-powered set-top TV boxes are hugely popular at the moment, particularly as they are relatively inexpensive and can be customised to viewer’s requirements," Marijus Briedis, Chief Technology Officer at NordVPN, told The Sun.

People use the illegal box to watch their favourite shows, films, and live sporting events (Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

"Much to the anger of streaming companies, they are often corrupted to become ‘dodgy boxes’ that allow users to access multiple services for free.

"Little do Brits know the security implications of having one of these, let alone the legal issues that could follow."

Viewers don't realise that because their dodgy box is 'jailbroken', its basically means that third-party media server software is installed on it.

And cyber criminals find it a lot easier to target jailbroken streaming gadgets through your Wi-Fi.

This includes the other electronic devices, like your phone or laptop, that run on the same network.

Your passwords, financial data and personal information are all at risk of being hacked.

"As well as harvesting users’ personal data this software, once enabled, means the box can also connect with a wider network of bots and be used by cybercriminals to gain revenue by mining cryptocurrency or clicking on ads," Briedis added.

"Devices such as computers and phones will always be more coveted by cybercriminals looking to steal your personal data, as they contain the most amount of information about the user.

A security head has warned of the number of 'legal issues that could follow' (Getty Stock Images)

"They contain access to your mobile and internet banking, identification details, contacts, email and messaging history, even notes apps that may contain passwords and hastily scrawled pin numbers.

"The trouble is that most people are now aware of the dangers of criminals accessing our mobile phones and PCs and have layers of security to minimise the risks of being hacked.

"Something like your TV, your Wi-Fi or your smart home devices are much less likely to have any protections and can be an easy entry point for cyber crooks."

This comes after a fresh IPTV warning that's been issued by authorities, with a threat to 'automatically fine you £4,200'.

Luigi De Siervo, CEO of Serie A, Italy's premier football division, has spoke about the idea of implementing 'automatic €5,000 fines'.

In a recent YouTube broadcast he said that 'every illegal use of video content leaves an indelible digital Ariadne’s thread that will allow law enforcement to prosecute pirates'.

"No one can think of continuing to steal content illegally and get away with it," he added.