New research links online hacking to increased cyber risk
A third of all Australians who access pirated media have been affected by fraud, identity theft and other security risks.
You might think that a new report from an organization whose goal is to promote the importance of copyright protection and combating online piracy saying, in effect, “Piracy is bad, don’t “don’t do it” is relatively unsurprising, but the report from Creative Content Australia (CCA) Australian Piracy Behavior and Attitudes Survey – released last week – reveals interesting cybersecurity concerns.
According to the report, there is a definite correlation between media piracy and cybersecurity risk, with a third of all “confessed streaming pirates”, as the CCA calls them, reporting that they have been victims of some form of cybercrime. , scams and identity. theft, even ransomware attacks.
For those using illegal streaming services, the risk appears much higher, with 75% of those surveyed reporting some form of cybercrime against them.
Despite the apparent risks, 18% of Australian adults still pirate their media, an overall finding that Chris Chard, president of Creative Content Australia, says is worrying.
“The study found that almost one in five Australian adults continue to pirate movies and TV shows – which is concerning on several levels, as not only are people risking their online safety by visiting these sites , but they also steal from the hard workers who work there. creating and distributing the content we all love,” Chard said in a statement.
“The link between pirate sites and cybercrime has been exposed: a third of those surveyed who admitted to hacking also reported experiencing cybersecurity issues afterwards, and this figure is increasing year on year.
“The danger of fraud, identity theft or hacking is skyrocketing for those who subscribe to illegal streaming services, with a staggering 75% of Australians using these services falling victim to cybercrime. Never risk your personal information for the lure of free streaming – you’ll end up paying a lot more.
Benjamin Zeccola, CEO of Palace Cinemas, said piracy is often part of larger criminal enterprises.
“Illegal streamers may not intend to cause harm – they often view piracy as ‘victimless,’” Zeccola said.
“Yet, paradoxically, they support offshore criminal gangs that harm local jobs and opportunities. »
The survey was carried out by Screen Audience Research Australia and polled 1,239 adults in Australia in October 2023, weighted by ABS data to build a representative picture of the wider population.
You can read the full Australian Piracy Behavior and Attitudes Survey here.
