Hackers usually target vulnerable devices connected to the internet to steal information. When you set up your Firestick, you have to register using your Amazon credentials and use your personal details to sign in on different apps like HBO Max and Netflix. After purchasing a Firestick and connecting it to your Wi-Fi network, you might be worried about protecting your data and might be wondering if it can get hacked.
So, can a Firestick get hacked? Your Firestick can get hacked if it has vulnerabilities that hackers can take advantage of. A Firestick can be vulnerable if you have installed Kodi, which takes over your devices by installing an Android malware program known as ADB.Miner. A hacker can use this malware program to download files, install apps and screen capture your activities. To prevent people from hacking your Firestick device, you need to switch off ADB debugging.
When using your Firestick to stream movies, you store a lot of information that hackers can steal. Hackers usually target devices connected to the internet, and if your Firestick has some vulnerabilities, it might be a target.
Hackers are now targeting streaming platforms, and the most recent cyberattack happened to millions of Pluto TV users whose data got leaked in the breach. It is important to have several safeguards to protect your devices, particularly those that connect to the internet from cyberattacks. If you have recently purchased a Firestick device, you might wonder if it can get hacked?
Your Firestick can get hacked if you have installed Kodi or sideloaded an app with malware. Kodi is a free streaming app that allows you to stream videos, music, podcasts, and other digital content. However, when you install Kodi on your Firestick, it will install an Android malware program that will make your device vulnerable to cyberattacks.
A hacker can take over control of your Firestick and download files, install apps and screen capture your activities. To prevent your Firestick from getting hacked, ensure you switch off ADB debugging before installing Kodi or avoid sideloading applications from unknown developers. If you suspect that your Firestick has been hacked, you can factory reset the device or uninstall the app with the malware.
The Android malware program, known as the “ADB.Miner” is part of a malware bot-net that can use your device’s CPU to mine for cryptocurrencies. Therefore, someone can hack into your Firestick and use it to mine for cryptocurrencies as you watch your TV shows and movies.
However, this malware program usually slows down your device and can even cause overheating. Using a program called Shodan, a hacker will obtain the IP addresses of Firestick devices that have ADB exposed.
The hacker will then add another Firestick device to a specific IP address and access that Firestick device. A hacker can now download files on your Firestick, install and uninstall apps and even check out the movie you are watching using screen capture.
Another way someone can hack into your Firestick is through gateways created by sideloaded apps. Sometimes you cannot find the app you need from the Amazon website; sideloading is the only option. However, sideloading might make your Firestick vulnerable to cyberattacks if the apps being sideloaded have malware.
Criminals can develop apps and infect them with malware, and once you download them to your Firestick device, they can use that malware to steal your data or control your device. Amazon allows sideloading on their Firestick devices; however, it is up to you to exercise caution and only sideload safe apps.
To prevent someone from using the Kodi app to hack into your Firestick, you need to switch off the ADB debugging. Plug in your Firestick to your TV and go to “Setting.” Go to “Device” and select “Developer Options”.
Click on “ADB debugging” and switch it off. If you install Kodi or any other app with a malware program, it will not install the “ADB.Miner”; hence your Firestick will not be vulnerable to any cyberattacks.
You should also avoid sideloading apps on your Firestick without checking if they are safe. You should avoid sideloading apps that offer free content because these are the most likely apps to contain malware.
If your Firestick has been hacked, there are ways you can clean the infected device. The first method is to factory reset the device, which will delete all the data stored in the device. To reset your Firestick, go to “Settings” and select “My Fire TV.” You will see “Device” on some devices instead of “My Fire TV.” Scroll down to “Reset to Factory Defaults” and select it.
This action will delete all your data; hence before you confirm you want to reset your Firestick device, ensure it is the right thing to do. Another method to clean up your Firestick device is to uninstall the app you believe has malware.
What Does it Mean To Jailbreak a Firestick?
Firestick is a great digital media device that allows you to access thousands of hours of content on your TV. You can install numerous streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, and peacock, but you can even access more content if you have a jailbroken firestick. You will hear people talk about jailbreaking their Firestick devices, and you might be wondering what it means to jailbreak a Firestick.
To jailbreak a Firestick device means modifying or removing the developer’s restrictions, such as installing unauthorized software. You will get full access to the root of the Firestick’s operating system and all other features that Amazon might have restricted.
Jailbreaking a Firestick is quite different from other devices since you do not have to modify the system-level code or install firmware created by a third-party developer. A jailbroken Firestick allows you to sideload apps from third-party developers like Kodi.
You can jailbreak your Firestick, or you can purchase one that is already jailbroken. You can find vendors on eBay and other websites claiming that they are selling jailbroken Firestick devices. If you do not know how to jailbreak a Firestick device, buying an already jailbroken one is the best option.
The vendors usually jailbreak their Firestick devices and install several popular apps like Kodi to entice customers. Before you purchase a jailbroken Firestick, ensure that you understand the legal implications of doing so.
Owning a jailbroken Firestick is legal if you do not use the device to stream unlicensed content. If you have jailbroken your Firestick, you should avoid sideloading an app that allows you to stream copyrighted content for free. If you choose to buy a jailbroken Firestick, ensure that the vendor has not installed any app that allows you to stream unlicensed content.
Some people like to watch TV shows and movies for free, and some third-party apps usually pirate digital content that people can watch for free. This is illegal, and you might get in legal trouble if you are caught streaming pirated content on your jailbroken Firestick device.
People do not want to buy a jailbroken Firestick, can do it themselves (entirely at their own risk as this may be illegal). The process is very easy, and this can be done within twenty minutes. First, they download and install the “APK Downloader,” which they will use to download the jailbreaker apps.
They then open “Settings,” go to “My Fire TV,” select “Developer Option,” and switch on “ADB Debugging”.
Click “Install Unknown apps” and turn on “Downloader”.
Go back to “Settings,” open “Preferences,” and select “Privacy Settings.”
Turn off “Device Usage Data” and “Collect App Usage Data”.
Go back to “Preferences” and turn off “Data Monitoring”.
Open the “Downloader” app on their Firestick and use it to download and install the “Kodi”.
Their Firestick is now jailbroken, and they can use it to access content that was previously unavailable.
After jailbreaking a Firestick, you now have access to endless entertainment on your device. You can install many apps not present in the Amazon App Store. Some of the best apps you can sideload on your jailbroken Firestick include Cinema HD APK, Cyberflix TV, Kodi, Live Net TV, VLC Media Player, among many others.
The most important thing to note is that streaming copyrighted content without permission is illegal. When you are sideloading an app to stream certain content, ensure that that app has a license to host that content.
Do I Need a VPN for a Jailbroken Firestick?
If you want to have an ultimate streaming experience, you may have to jailbreak your Firestick or buy one that is already jailbroken. After obtaining a jailbroken Firestick, you will have to sideload apps from third-party sites. If you are concerned about the safety of your device, you might be wondering if you need a VPN to use a jailbroken Firestick.
If you want to stream content on a jailbroken Firestick safely, you need a VPN. A VPN will protect you against cyberattacks arising from streaming services. Most of the apps you will sideload on Firestick might have malware that could make your Firestick and devices connected to it vulnerable to cyberattacks.
There are many VPNs in the market, and you need to choose the one that can fully protect your device and network. Some of the best VPNs you can use on your jailbroken Firestick include ExpressVPN, Surfshark VPN, and NordVPN.
Apps like Kodi will make your device prone to cyberattacks when sideloaded to your Jailbroken Firestick. Therefore, you should get a VPN as soon as you have installed any free or cheap app. Once you start using a VPN on your jailbroken Firestick device, you will protect your privacy and prevent tracking.
Hackers will not be able to steal any of your personal information or track your viewing habits. A VPN also hides all your activities; therefore, you do not have to worry about facing legal consequences if you stream any content without permission. If you travel to another country, you can still access geographically restricted content on your jailbroken Firestick from anywhere in the world if you use a VPN.
Since there are many VPNs in the market, you need to know how to choose the best Firestick VPN. If you select a random VPN without doing enough research, you will have a bad streaming experience.
To select the best VPN for your jailbroken Firestick, first look for one dedicated to Firestick apps. If you cannot have a dedicated Firestick app VPN, look for one that guarantees a fast connection speed, can support simultaneous connections, can bypass a VPN block, and is fairly priced.
ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs you can use with your jailbroken Firestick. Many people love ExpressVPN because it has military-grade encryption, private DNS, and TrustedServer technology.
When you use ExpressVPN, you are guaranteed full protection of your data and privacy. Even with all the security features, you do not have to pay a lot of money because it has affordable subscription plans. Surfshark VPN is also another great VPN that has excellent features.
If you use it with your jailbroken Firestick, you will get military-grade encryption to safeguard your data. It also has camouflage mode, NoBorders, and MultiHop (double VPN), which can help you access lots of content without exposing your device to cyberattacks.
NordVPN is another worthy VPN alongside ExpressVPN and Surfshark VPN. NordVPN has amazing features like secure connection, fast connection speed, multiple connections, and a strict no-log policy.
Depending on your budget and security preferences, you can choose any of the three VPNs suggested in this article. All these VPNs can work with any version of Firestick; they have been tested to confirm that they can provide an excellent streaming experience on any Firestick device.
Wrap Up
The Firestick is an amazing streaming device that requires a Wi-Fi network to work, and with that comes the possibility of experiencing cyberattacks. Someone can easily hack into your Firestick if you sideload it with free or cheap apps like Kodi.
If you are going to sideload apps from unknown sources, ensure that you have switched off ADB debugging. You can find many apps with entertaining content on the Amazon App Store, but you can have more if you jailbreak it. Jailbreaking will ensure that you can access unavailable content on apps allowed by Amazon.
If you decide to buy a jailbroken Firestick or make one, ensure that you only download apps that have licenses to provide the services they are offering. Streaming pirated content is illegal, and you can pay heavy fines or spend time in jail if you are caught streaming such content. You should also ensure that you use the best VPN to protect your data and privacy while using a jailbroken Firestick.
