New research reveals the risks parents may face when illegally streaming content for their children, including potential exposure of bank details and devices to hacking. 

A poll by BeStreamWise, a cross-industry initiative which aims to help consumers stay safe while watching content they love, found that 32% of parents who stream content illegally for their kids have been the victim of financial fraud, losing an average of £1,462 – more than half of the average monthly gross salary in the UK.

The research, conducted among over a thousand parents across the UK, found that around a third (32%) have had hackers gain access to content on their phones, tablets or other devices after streaming illegally for their kids. More than half (52%) have experienced security scares such as malware warnings or suspicious pop-ups, with that figure rising sharply to 77% among parents with children under the age of four.

Many parents are unaware of the risks. Around one in ten (12%) believe there is a low risk of getting hacked when streaming illegally, while only 16% say they always consider the risks before they stream content illegally. Nearly one in five (18%) admit they never consider the risks at all.

With children increasingly watching content on tablets, smartphones and smart TVs, BeStreamWise warns that a single illegal app, stream or modified device can expose multiple devices within the home, including those used for online banking, work emails and personal accounts.

Rob Shapland, an ethical hacker with 16 years’ experience in cyber security, said: “Streaming is a normal part of family life, especially during school holidays and weekends when demand for popular programmes is high. But when looking for ways to keep kids entertained, it’s important to prioritise safety above all else.

"Criminals aren’t focused on what you’re watching – they’re looking for opportunities to access valuable information. Unofficial streaming sources can sometimes open the door to risks such as malware or data theft, potentially putting your devices, bank details, passwords and personal information at risk.

“Taking a few simple steps, like sticking to trusted platforms and keeping security software updated, can make a significant difference in protecting your data and devices.”