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the-future-now:

Be careful — hackers are hiding viruses in online movie subtitles

  • Security research firm Check Point
    revealed a new exploit on Tuesday that affects several media players.
  • The vulnerability allows a hacker to infect your device and gain full
    control through through subtitles.
  • The exploit, which puts 200 million
    users at risk, impacts video players and streamers like Popcorn Time,
    Kodi, Stremio and VLC.
  • Here’s how it works: malformed subtitle files allow hackers to embed code into the subtitle files in popular pirated movies
    and TV shows.
  • Subtitles are a non-suspecting source for hacks. When a
    user utilizes them, the malware is dumped on their desktop and the
    attacker is notified.
  • Once they have control over a device — PC, smart
    TV or smartphone — the hacker can do whatever they want, from stealing
    information to installing ransomware. Read more (5/25/17)

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