Main image via Refinery29
Even if winter hits, you wouldn’t want to catch this bug. And no, we’re not talking about the flu.
While we sit here eagerly awaiting the release of the first episode of the final season of Game of Thrones, this virus is making its way around the globe.
via GIPHY
As many know, accessing popular TV series often has us reaching into our wallets to pay to watch. Instead of forking out money, many look for free alternative options that usually involve illegally downloading episodes or torrenting them!
But these alternative methods have their downfalls. Malware.
Short for ‘malicious software,’ malware is a blanket term for viruses, worms, Trojans and other harmful computer programs. Hackers use malware to wreck your system and gain access to sensitive information.
via GIPHY
According to a recent report done by Kaspersky, cybercriminals are increasingly using illegal downloads and torrenting as means to spread malware. Malware is embedded into popular TV series that are hosted on illegal websites, waiting to strike.
The report shows that the illegal downloading of Game of Thrones contributed to 17% of all infected pirated content in 2018 with 20,934 systems infected. The Walking Dead follows with 18,794 infections and Arrow with 12,163.
Image via Low Yat
The report also concludes that malware distributors usually target the first and last episode of each season. As these are usually the episodes that have more traffic and viewers, it makes sense.
For example, it was found that the first episode of each season of Game of Thrones was most actively used by cybercriminals to spread malware.
via GIPHY
Here are some other series that are regularly targeted by these cybercriminals.
Image via Low Yat
So why put yourself through all the trouble of guessing if an episode of Game of Thrones is safe for download when you can watch it malware-free on Astro and Astro Go?
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We’d rather be safe than sorry when it comes to watching our favourite series!
Game of Thrones season 8 will premiere at the same time as the U.S. on Monday, 15th April at 9am, exclusively on HBO (Astro Ch 411 / 431 HD).
For those of you who don’t have the time to go an adventure to claim the Iron Throne, you can catch up stream all episodes now, uncensored On Demand! #AstroGOT #ForTheThrone #HBOAsia
Rated 21, Parental control is advised: http://www.watchod.com/faq/parental-control
For more info visit www.watchod.com
Info via Low Yat