Most of us stumbled upon a streaming site while looking for the latest series of a show we love. These free streaming sites full of countless content worldwide seem too good to be true—because they come at a cost. These websites are not only illegal but pose several security risks to your device.

There are good reasons why officials started cracking down on these platforms. Learning how to identify an illegal streaming site is crucial in learning how to practice safe internet use and keep your internet browsing devices healthy.

Is Streaming Illegal?

It’s important to point out that not all streaming sites are illegal. There are tons of famous (and legal) streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.

These platforms took the proper measures to obtain licensing agreements with creators to host their content for their users. They assure that content owners receive the agreed compensation for viewership.

Illegal platforms stream videos that violate copyright laws and don’t correctly compensate content creators. They take recordings or downloads of shows or movies and upload them to an unaffiliated platform whose owners may unlawfully receive money for. There is a legal gray area in terms of watching videos from such sites.

Laws vary significantly between countries, but most conclude that such sites aren't illegal to watch. However, hosting these sites or downloading/ uploading files is often illegal.

Some countries take these rules very seriously. For example, in Germany, getting caught torrenting a movie can land you a hefty fine of over $2,000 (and they will actively look for torrent downloads, although not all torrents are illegal).

Why Are There Illegal Streaming Sites?

Illegal streaming sites continue to thrive simply because there's a demand for them. People don’t want to pay for memberships to streaming sites or want access to content not yet copyrighted in their location. These streaming sites are a popular solution, despite being illegal and posing some security concerns.

The fact of the matter is, most governments don’t prioritize taking these sites down. There are more pressing matters to deal with, and there is an even larger legal grey area where people try defending their actions.

More often than not, sites get taken down rather than have their owners face prison time or fines. Because of the comparatively small consequences, others just set them up again.

There’s very little chance you’d run into legal problems through accessing an illegal streaming site, but this does not mean you should do it. Aside from moral dilemmas posed by using these services, there are some real security risks you need to think about.

What Are the Security Risks of Illegal Streaming Sites?

Illegal sites are not secure.

When people go to illegal streaming sites, they don’t think about using state-of-the-art security. Many sites are relatively short-lived and put little effort into keeping their visitors safe at all. They do not have to live up to standards other legal sites need to operate by.

Here are some of the chief concerns you should have.

Malicious Software

The top concern of using these sites is that you’ll end up with some nasty viruses on your device. These sites are a breeding ground for malicious software like ransomware or spyware.

Just think about all the pop-ups you encounter when you visit such a site. These are full of viruses that may download on their own. Malware is a huge problem that can put both your personal information and your computer at risk.

Data Sharing and Leaks

Many sites encourage you to create accounts for their services. Yet they often offer minimum protection of any details you provide. It’s not uncommon for them to sell the information off to third parties for some extra revenue.

Even if they don’t sell the information outright, inadequate security measures on the site make it easy for hackers to take the data themselves. These data breaches put you at risk of identity theft and scams.

Accidental Torrents

Again, it is essential to point out that most authorities don’t consider streaming itself the problem. However, torrents are traceable and likely illegal. Even if you take specific measures to merely stream, one wrong click could start downloading a torrent that may land you in legal trouble.

How Do I Protect My Devices?

A nasty virus or hefty fine may cost more than sharing a streaming site membership or buying that movie. Anyone using the internet should consider following these simple tips to keep your devices safe.

Use Security Software

No matter what sites you use, any device with online access is at risk of malicious software. Using protective programs like Windows Defender or Norton is a great way to prevent attacks.

Remember, there are free ways to run antivirus software scans, but we nonetheless advise you check out a solid antivirus suite.

Don’t Click Suspicious Links

While some viruses work autonomously, many require you to download them yourself. Why would you knowingly download malicious software? You wouldn’t—and hackers know that. Instead, they secretly embed files in disguised hyperlinks or images.

Don’t click on any sketchy links or download prompts.

Never Share Data With Unknown Platforms

It’s a good idea never to share your information with unknown platforms you don't trust. Many people choose to have a spam email account for such an occasion, but it’s wiser to avoid it entirely.

Use Legal Sites

Don’t take risks on these sketchy sites. Just use the legal platforms available. Many are affordable and easy to share with friends and family (although password sharing between households is a questionable act too).

They take the proper security measures, and your favorite creators rightfully get the credit.

Should I Use Illegal Streaming Sites?

Using illegal streaming sites is not only immoral but puts your computer at risk. Although they are convenient, these illegal sites come at a price that is not worth paying. Using legal streaming sites or renting services is a great way to get the content you want without dealing with additional security issues.

And you're supporting the creative industries, meaning more of your favorite shows and films can be made!