Hackers are tapping into a growing consumer trend: the use of illicit devices and apps to access pirated content to spread malware and exploit unsuspecting users, a Digital Citizens Alliance report found. Over the course of nine months, researchers observed malware from the piracy apps stealing user names and passwords, probing user networks and uploading data without consent. 

Piracy devices are not only a threat to the legitimate content ecosystem but also to cybersecurity overall. With millions of devices – from phones, tablets and entertainment devices to smart TVs, thermostats and doorbells – entering the home, the ability of hackers to infiltrate a home via devices like the "Kodi box" is problematic.