As the popularity of IPTV grows, so do concerns about its security. In this discussion, we’ll explore the question: Can IPTV be hacked? Join us as we examine the potential vulnerabilities and security considerations surrounding IPTV. Providing insights into the safety of this evolving digital entertainment option.
While there are many benefits of using IPTV such as being able to access worldwide IPTV channels. Which allows you to watch your home country’s TV channels no matter where you are located in the world. It also can have its disadvantages and one of these can come in the form of hacks. So this can iptv be hacked article will touch upon this subject.
Is It Possible IPTV Can Be Hacked?
Well, this question can cover many different topics to who the subject is when it comes to IPTV being hacked. For example, you could be the end user, IPTV provider, or even the IPTV network as a whole. But we will be focusing on the end user which is you when it comes to IPTV and hacking.
Yes IPTV can be hacked. Such as your IPTV device but this is a rare occurrence. Depending on where you purchased your IPTV set-top box. Also who you allow to access your IPTV device or home network.
How Can An IPTV Device Be Hacked?
Normally you can buy what you call a fully loaded IPTV box. But sometimes a seller can install malware or zombies on the box. Which means you can buy the box already hacked.
So it’s important you know from whom you are purchasing your IPTV device. Make sure to check their reviews if you are buying one from Amazon and eBay.
We would stay away from local markets and people who sell locally instead of a well-established marketplace. Such as Amazon or eBay and again read reviews.
The best way to avoid getting an IPTV streaming device with some nasties loaded on, is to buy a new device from the manufacturer or their reseller.
For example, you can buy an Amazon Firestick or Amazon FireTV from the Amazon website and it will come brand new never set up still in its factory wrap or you could also purchase a device from a high street shop and not a mom and pops type shop on the corner of your street.
What Type Of Viruses And Malware Can People Put On Your IPTV Device?
Normally sellers with malicious intent can install a RAT (remote administration tool). Which allows the person access to your IPTV device.
This can allow them to add keyloggers to catch anything you type on your remote. Such as credit card numbers and more to also be able to see what you are doing with the device or even be able to see through the webcam camera if your IPTV device has one.
They will also install a RAT and use your device as a zombie and no not the type you see on The Walking Dead but a type of sleeper process that can be activated and then used to attack other computers and servers around the world.
This can put a strain on your network as mostly they may use DDOS (denial of service) websites and other server-related things. Which will also reveal your IP address and considerably slow down your home internet to a halt.
Symptoms Of A Hacked IPTV Device
If you suspect the IPTV device you are using such as Amazon Firestick or any other has been hacked such as malicious viruses or malware added before you purchased it pre-set up then there are ways you can tell this.
- Does the device run very slow
- Do you keep getting booted out of applications
- When streaming a YouTube video is it buffering too much
- Are there any apps you don’t recognise or can’t delete
These are just some of the ways your IPTV device can be hacked. But don’t take the above as set in stone because these issues can occur naturally as well especially if your IPTV device is running out of hard disk space or you have too many applications open on it etc.
With that being said let’s cover what to do if you suspect your IPTV has been hacked on your device.
How To Fix A Suspected Hacked IPTV Device
Luckily there is a very easy way to fix this. This method will also correct any issues even if your IPTV has not been hacked.
You simply go into Settings and find factory reset then run a factory reset It is that easy. Depending on which IPTV device you have you will need to look inside your settings for the factory reset option.
This method is the best as it will reset your device back to the default settings. Left the factory in and make sure anything that may have been added to your device will be deleted.
The only PITA when it comes to factory resetting. Anything is that you will need to sync the IPTV device back with your accounts. Such as Amazon account, Google account, and your IPTV provider account.
A factory reset is just what the doctor ordered. When it comes to anything you think has been hacked or it’s just running slow and a lot different from when you first got it.
Now let’s look at some precautions you should take to stop your IPTV from getting hacked in general.
See How To Install IPTV On Google TV.
Precautions To Take To Stop IPTV Getting Hacked
Now for most of the article. We have waffled on about your IPTV device but you can also have your IPTV username and password stolen from your IPTV device. Which can cause a few headaches for you and your IPTV provider.
The headache mostly is if your IPTV details have been stolen. Can be shared online or the attacker can use it. This will kick you off the IPTV every 2 minutes and seriously disrupt your IPTV viewing.
So if you suspect this simply email your IPTV provider. They will be able to check this for you and rectify the issue from their side.
Now the precautions you should take to avoid your IPTV details being stolen are:
- Never lend your IPTV device to somebody you don’t trust
- Never allow someone you don’t trust to access your home network (this can be neighbors or remote IT technicians)
- Be careful about who you let remotely access your home PC such as using Teamviewer for remote help
- Make sure you choose a strong home Wi-Fi password to avoid people gaining access to your home Wi-Fi
- Be sure to secure your email with strong passwords and two-factor authentication to stop anyone from gaining access to your email. Which then in turn, they can gain access to your IPTV details sent from your IPTV supplier
If you follow the above this will minimize the chances of your IPTV details such as username and password being stolen and shared across the internet and used by random people.
Now to answer can IPTV be hacked, in a more technical way, for you technical people looking for an overall answer to the question let’s dive in.
Can IPTV Be Hacked Such As IPTV Networks And Protocols
The answer is not really as yes your IPTV provider can be hacked if they don’t really secure it or know what they are doing but for an end user this is nothing to worry about it will mostly just be the attackers may delete their server files or IPTV users causing downtime for you but none of your information can be seen by attackers.
In general, the protocols IPTV use are safe from hackers and also it’s not an overall IPTV hacked and goes away situation it’s always going to be provider by provider case so with the question being quite tricky in itself the answer is not really, IPTV can’t be hacked if we are talking about software, protocols, and networks.
IPTV can only be hacked on a provider-by-provider case so if your IPTV happens to get hacked no problem if they don’t come back online within a day or two pack your bags and move to the next one as overall IPTV won’t get hacked and isn’t going anywhere soon.
See How To Watch IPTV On A Roku Device.
Conclusion
We have answered the almost trick question of Can IPTV be hacked and what precautions you should take to stop your IPTV device from being or getting hacked as well as what you should look for and do if your IPTV device has been hacked or has malware or viruses on.