Read this before you buy that TV streaming stick
- Major e-commerce providers sell hundreds of different models and brands of streaming devices despite security and privacy risks.
- Some devices are set up for residential proxy and ad fraud straight from the factory.
- Inexpensive devices may have poor engineering and old versions of Android, making them vulnerable to exploits.
The Internet’s Verdict: 70% Hyped, 30% Skeptical
Security Risks
Despite repeated warnings from the FBI and security industry leaders, many people still purchase streaming devices without considering the risks.
> Despite repeated warnings from the FBI and security industry leaders about the security and privacy risks of using these streaming devices, major e-commerce providers like Amazon, Best Buy, Newegg and others continue to sell hundreds of different models and brands
Malicious Devices
Some devices are malicious from the start, with features like residential proxy and ad fraud built-in.
> In this case it’s actual malice, that the streaming stick is set up for residential proxy and ad fraud straight from the factory.
Others may be poorly engineered, with old versions of Android that will never be patched, making them easy targets for exploits.
Protecting Yourself
To stay safe, it’s essential to research the device and seller before making a purchase and to take steps to secure your network, such as configuring VLANs in your router.
> That reminds me, I need to configure VLANs in my router so that all my trusted computers are isolated from all the other garbage that makes it into the network.
Focus Keyword: Streaming Sticks
