How free movie links could infect your device with malware (2024)

FAQs

Can you get a virus from free movie websites? ›

There are legitimate streaming services that offer free content. But if a cybercriminal spoofs a site, it could be infested with malware. One way to avoid spoofed sites is to verify where a link takes you before clicking.

Malware can get onto your device when you open or download attachments or files, or visit a scammy website. Your device might get infected with malware through: downloading free stuff like illegal downloads of popular movies, TV shows, or games. downloading content available on file-sharing sites.

A scammer will pose as a trusted entity and attempt to manipulate a victim into clicking on a malicious link. This link can then lead to the installation of malware or the revealing of sensitive information, such as bank account details.

It can be distributed through various means, such as email attachments, infected websites, compromised software downloads, or even through physical media like USB drives. Hackers use malware as a tool to exploit vulnerabilities for their own gain.

As mentioned above, not all free streaming sites are dangerous. However, you must practice caution while streaming movies and TV shows on these sites. As a rule of thumb, always avoid obscure or suspicious sites, as they might pose significant risks to your online privacy.

If you search for free ways to watch, it could lead to infecting your device with malware. That's why we always advise using common sense when searching for streaming content and avoiding pirated movies and music.

Some of the primary ways that mobile devices can get malware include downloading infected apps, opening infected email attachments, and visiting infected websites.

Hacked or compromised webpages

Malware can use known software vulnerabilities to infect your PC. A vulnerability is like a hole in your software that can give malware access to your PC. When you go to a website, it can try to use vulnerabilities in your web browser to infect your PC with malware.

To find out if a link is safe, just copy/paste the URL into the search box and hit Enter. Google Safe Browsing's URL checker will test the link and report back on the site's legitimacy and reputation in just seconds. It's that easy to use Google's URL scanner.

How to check if your phone has a virus? ›

Use a virus scanner app. These apps will scan your device for malicious files and give you instructions on how to remove them if they detect anything suspicious. Use a factory reset or bootable antivirus tool.

Clicking on links or attachments from unverified sources. These are most commonly distributed as emails and SMS. Clicking on seemingly innocent ads that take you to an unsecured webpage or download mobile malware to your device.

By far the most common method for hackers and state-sponsored hacking organizations to spread malware is through phishing emails. Hackers have become incredibly skilled at crafting emails that trick employees into clicking on links or downloading a file that contains malicious code.

There are many types of damage a malware can cause: steal, encrypt or delete data, alter or delete a system functionality and spy on all the activity happening on the infected device.

Most malware infections occur when you inadvertently do something that triggers the malware to be downloaded. This action might be clicking an infected link in an email or visiting a malicious website. In other cases, hackers spread malware through peer-to-peer file-sharing services and free software download bundles.

Yes, many 123Movies clone movie sites host content in a way that can expose you to malware and virus infection. The site might have malicious ad links that trick you into providing personal information through phishing attacks or downloading malicious software.

Despite the strong pull of free flicks on the internet, it is important to keep yourself and your device safe by selecting reliable sites that abide by copyright laws. Some free movie websites may sometimes indulge in illegal sharing which may lead to legal consequences for those who use them.

Many of the sites and applications that host pirated content are rife with malware and spyware. Oftentimes, bad actors will upload content labeled to look like valuable pirated content (like a movie or a song) but it will actually be malware that steals your information.