Consumer advocates and cybersecurity experts are warning the public about a growing threat tied to low-cost, off-brand streaming boxes that promise free access to movies, television, and live sports. According to multiple security firms, many of these devices arrive preloaded with malware capable of compromising home networks and personal data.
DUO Broadband has received multiple reports of home network issues related to the installation of such devices. Customer calls often begin with complaints such as, “I’m having trouble streaming on my TV.” After further troubleshooting, DUO technicians frequently discover that customers are using untrustworthy streaming devices, including “jailbroken” Fire Sticks—Amazon Fire TV Sticks that have been modified to bypass Amazon’s default software restrictions—as well as Superboxes and other off-brand streaming devices purchased locally or online.
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