A study released in late July by the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) and conducted by cybersecurity expert Dr. Paul Watters, found that users in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, face alarming cybersecurity risks when accessing pirated movie sites. The analysis examined 30 popular sites, including streaming platforms, peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, anime and manga sites, and phishing pages.
"For every one instance of malware found on a legitimate site, pirated sites in Vietnam can have 12 to 20 security vulnerabilities," Watters said.
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Installments of "Harry Potter" posted on a pirated movie website. Screenshot |
Installments of "Harry Potter" posted on a pirated movie website. Screenshot
The ACE report lists copyright-infringing sites, including major Vietnamese piracy websites. These sites attract millions of visits monthly due to their extensive, rapidly updated, and free content libraries.
In 8/2024, Fmovies, once one of the world’s largest piracy sites operated by Vietnamese individuals, was shut down by authorities. Such sites not only violate laws but also serve as global hubs for information-stealing malware capable of harvesting passwords, banking details, and controlling user devices.
According to Watters, the number of illegal streaming devices (ISDs) is rising in Vietnam. These devices come pre-loaded with copyright-infringing apps, offering free access to thousands of movies and TV shows. However, they often lack security standards, making them vulnerable to hackers who can target entire home networks, monitor activity, or turn user devices into tools for further cyberattacks.
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The interface of a pirated movie website in Vietnam. Photo: Cat Tien |
The interface of a pirated movie website in Vietnam. Photo: Cat Tien
By accessing piracy sites, users unknowingly expose their devices to threats. These sites often feature malware-laden ads, links to phishing websites, or virus-infected downloads. Clicking on these can activate malware without the user’s knowledge, allowing for device control, online activity monitoring, and access to stored data.
The risks extend beyond device control. Financial information like credit card numbers, bank accounts, or sensitive personal data can be collected and sold to cybercriminals. Such data breaches often lead to financial fraud, identity theft, or digital extortion.
"In today’s complex cyber environment, the damage from one wrong click can last for years, causing irreparable harm to individuals and families," Watters said.
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Cybersecurity expert Paul Watters. Photo: EAI |
Cybersecurity expert Paul Watters. Photo: EAI
Watters recommends using legal platforms as the safest solution. This minimizes risks and supports the creative industry. He also urges authorities to raise public awareness about cybersecurity risks from piracy, establish minimum security standards for streaming devices, and enhance international cooperation for data sharing and coordinated action.
Professor Paul A. Watters is a leading cybersecurity expert in Australia. He is currently the Head of Academics at Academies Australasia Polytechnic, a visiting professor at La Trobe University, and an honorary professor at Macquarie University. In 2021, he received funding from the New Zealand government’s MBIE Catalyst Strategic Cybersecurity Research Fund to develop AI technology for automating threat response.
Founded in 2017 and led by the Motion Picture Association (MPA), the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment unites over 50 major entertainment companies, including Netflix, Disney, Amazon Studios, Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount, and BBC Studios. This global organization investigates, removes, and prosecutes websites and services that distribute illegal content, while raising public awareness of copyright. In recent years, ACE has shut down hundreds of piracy platforms and illegal streaming apps in numerous countries.
Cat Tien
