If you have a streaming box in your home (often sold under names like VSeeBox, Mars Box or SuperBox), you may want to stop using them immediately. These boxes can be a danger for many reasons.
Here are 5 reasons why we do not recommend using these devices:
1. MALWARE
A lot of these are made overseas and can come with malware preinstalled or the setup requires you to disable built-in security protections or install unregulated apps
2. HIJACKING
These boxes can be easily hijacked, allowing cybercriminals access to your home network. Once they’re in, they can do several things like:
· Monitor and intercept your legitimate traffic
· Reroute malicious traffic through your home network
· Load fraudulent ads
· Perform credential stuffing attacks
· Use known credentials from one website and try them on other non-
related websites. This is successful as many people use the same
credentials on multiple websites.
· Use your home internet connection and IP address to commit crimes
· Exploit other connected devices (routers, smartphones, laptops, smart
appliances) as proxies and hide behind your IP address
· Consume your bandwidth without your knowledge
3. LAWSUITS
Most of these boxes promote “free” streaming, but this is not true. The only thing these boxes primarily do is provide unauthorized access to copyrighted material. Streaming this content can violate the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and can lead to fines or legal action
4. NETWORK PROBLEMS
Using these, or even just having them plugged in, can cause network problems like slower internet and increased buffering
5. LOSING SERVICE WITH ADAMS FIBER
If you’re in violation, our team gets notified and can easily turn off your service and ban you as a customer for violating our Terms of Service
It’s always best to do your own research before purchasing or using any streaming device – these are just a few things we want you to be aware of.
Other helpful tips:
How do I know if my box is safe?
If your box asks or does any of the following, it is not safe:
1. Requires unofficial or suspicious app stores
2. Asks you to disable Google Play Protect
3. Are not Google Play Protect certified
4. Provides “free” access to copyrighted streaming content from unverified sources
How do I know if my device is Google-certified?
Follow these steps to ensure it’s safe to use:
1. Open the Google Play Store
2. Tap your profile icon
3. Go to Settings > About
4. Look for Play Protect certification. If it says “Device not certified”, it is a security risk and you should not use on your network