Cybercriminals are taking advantage of the popularity of television set-top boxes known as “Kodi boxes” to distribute malware. Kodi boxes, which provide users with illicit access to premium film, television and other content, are used by around 12 million people. Although the illicit content is presented as “free,” Digital Citizens Alliance (DCA) research found that customers are often paying with their data, even if they don’t know about it.
The researchers found that no less than 40% of Kodi box applications for accessing content are infected with malware. The malware will scan the home network for sensitive information available on accessible file shares and will subsequently upload this data to a server controlled by attackers. It can also steal and upload Wi-Fi credentials.
