We’ve been hearing more questions about devices like vSeeBox and SuperBox—small “streaming boxes” that promise lots of content without a cable or streaming subscription. The box itself is not illegal but pirating illegal content by accessing digital channels or content without authorization or subscription is illegal. This is a serious legal risk for consumers and at the very least will result in their internet service being discontinued. We get why they sound appealing, but we wanted to share a few things customers often don’t learn until after the fact.
Here are the biggest concerns we see:
Legal risk: Accessing copyrighted content without paying for it or without permission is illegal, and if you’re a resident of the United Staes, you should know using these devices for unauthorized streaming violates the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and can incur legal action, fines, and suspension of service by internet providers.
Security risk: These devices have been found with malware or unsafe software installed. Once they’re connected, they can put the whole home network at risk like other devices, bank accounts, and personal information. Boxes can be preloaded and infect immediately at startup with the owner even knowing.
Risky app downloads: Many boxes encourage disabling trusted app stores while installing apps from unofficial pirating sites. That skips important security checks and can open the door to viruses, account takeovers, or unwanted tracking. Again, without the customers’ knowledge. According to MSN from the moment the device is powered on, apps offering unauthorized stream are placed directly on the main interface.
Speed & bandwidth issues: Compromised boxes use the customer connection in the background without them noticing. That can slow down their internet experience and create unusual network activity that can result in internet service being discontinued by the provider. Again according to MSN the most troubling aspect is that users have no practical way to verify what the box is doing in the background.
WHAT WE RECOMMEND INSTEAD
Do not use these boxes! Use legitimate streaming services and devices only.
Download apps only from official app stores (Apple App Store, Google Play, Roku Channel Store, etc.).
Keep your router and streaming devices updated and change default passwords.
Our goal at Norvado is to keep your connection fast, reliable, and secure. If you’re unsure whether a device on your network is safe, or you’ve noticed slower speeds and can’t figure out why—we’re happy to help you troubleshoot.
WHAT HAPPENS IF AN INTERNET PROVIDER DISCOVERS A CUSTOMER USING ONE OF THESE BOXES?
Compromised devices create harmful or unusually heavy network activity; it can impact others and will require us to protect the network. If we discover customers using one of these boxes, we need them to remove the box immediately. If they don’t comply it will result in their internet services being suspended.
Thanks for being a Norvado customer—and thanks for doing your part to keep your home network (and our community network) safe.
Norvado is proud to provide incredible connections to the Northwoods.
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