Technology
How to protect yourself from streaming hacks
You thought the only struggle with your streaming service might be fighting with family members over bandwidth and access, but unfortunately, hackers can also be a part of the equation if you’re not careful.
UNLOCK EXCLUSIVE INSIGHTS: JOIN KURT’S CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER FOR FREE
It’s not account access that is the worst offense that a hacker can inflict. If they do hack, it is usually through your network, and that means they can get access to most of your devices, which can spell big trouble for your privacy and security. That’s why we are grateful to Art from Florida for asking this question that we can address:
“Can a hacker get into my computer through a streaming box? I don’t care if they get into the box, but I don’t want them in my network.” — Art, Bradenton, Florida
Art, your concerns are valid. It isn’t the streaming box itself being hacked that should be your biggest concern. Yes, hackers can “get into” your streaming box, but worse, your network.
CLICK HERE FOR FREE ACCESS TO KURT’S CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER: YOUR SOURCE FOR TECH TRENDS, SECURITY, PRIVACY AND QUICK TIPS
Roku Express 4K+ (Roku) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
How do hackers exploit your streaming devices and more?
The bad news is that your streaming box can be hacked like most devices that are linked up to the internet. There are limits to the damage they can do with that access. Their damage would be limited by the mechanics of the streaming box: for instance, if your Roku has no camera but a microphone, they can listen to your conversation, but they won’t be able to watch you. They may have access to what you’ve been watching or some account information.
Chromecast with Google TV (Google) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
The even scarier part, however, is that hackers usually have to infiltrate your network in order to have access to your streaming box, which means they’ll have access to most devices that are part of that network. Those other devices are usually fully equipped with the ability to spy on you and hold valuable data. The best approach is to protect and secure your network to prevent hacking of your network in the first place. First, as an example, let’s check your Roku to make sure no one uninvited is connecting to it.
MORE: BEST STREAMING DEVICES OF 2024
Someone else is controlling my Roku
We often hear of people wondering how someone else nearby can get access to their Roku device. Channels may change unexpectedly, content can be cast onto the Roku, or the previously viewed shows may not be recognizable. If this happens, in addition to locking down your wireless home network and following the advice in the next section, check your Roku settings for anything unusual. Here’s how.
- On the Roku remote, press the home button to go to the main screen. Select “Settings,” then System, find Screen Mirroring, and make sure “none” is selected for others having permission to stream content to your Roku.
- Next, do the same for Remotes by selecting Remotes & devices from the Settings menu. Unless you have permitted others, you should not see any other remote control devices connected except yours.
- Now check the Guest Mode by clicking Guest Mode from the Settings menu. Make sure no other people are shown – who may have access to your Roku in Guest Mode.
- Finally, from the Settings menu, select System, then Advanced System Settings. Click Control by mobile apps and make sure you see either “default” or “disabled” selected so that no one else is using a mobile app to control your Roku.
Woman with remote control watching streaming content (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
MORE: HOW TO LOWER MONTHLY VIDEO STREAMING COSTS
10 ways to protect and secure your network
Since prevention is the best approach to keeping hackers out of your network in the first place, below are several actions you can take to ramp up security.
1) Create a strong password: Make sure your Wi-Fi network is password-protected and that you are using a strong password with upper and lower case letters, numbers, as well as symbols. It should be unique for the network and not easy to guess. Hackers often exploit the weak or default passwords that come with the devices. So, again, use strong and unique passwords for each device and change them regularly. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.
2) Turn on encryption: Most modern routers offer WPA2 and WPA3 encryption or better to prevent unauthorized access to your network. Check out our list of top routers for best security 2024 by clicking here.
3) Update your firmware and software: Wi-Fi and cable routers, like most smart devices, need to have their firmware occasionally updated in response to known attacks by the manufacturer. It’s important to keep your device firmware & software updated to prevent any exploitation from known vulnerabilities. This includes your streaming boxes, browsers, and operating systems such as Windows and Apple’s iOS. Both Apple and Android issue updates regularly, so check for and install them often. Also, check the manufacturer’s website or app for the latest firmware versions and how to install them, but you should also enable automatic updates whenever possible.
4) Use a Firewall: A firewall protects the devices you have connected to your network from intruders on the internet. Just like a security fence protects your house from intruders, a firewall keeps cybercriminals and hackers from breaching your computer. It can take the form of software, such as a security program, or hardware, such as a router. Both perform the same function. They effectively act as a one-way digital barrier by blocking access to your network from devices on the internet while simultaneously allowing devices on your network to connect to devices on the internet.
Most routers come with network firewalls enabled. To check if your router has a firewall enabled, you can follow these steps:
- Connect your computer to your router using an Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi.
- Open a web browser and type the IP address of your router in the address bar. You can find the IP address on the label of your router or in the user manual. It is usually something like 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.
- Enter the username and password to log in to your router’s web interface. The default username and password are often admin and admin, but you should change those if you haven’t done so yet.
- Look for a section called Firewall, Security, or Advanced in the web interface. There you can see if your router has a firewall enabled or disabled. You can also change the firewall settings according to your preferences.
If your router doesn’t have a firewall, you can install a good home firewall solution on your system to prevent router attacks.
5) Be careful of downloading apps: Because malicious codes can be gained through apps from third-party sources, it is important to only download apps through authorized places such as the Apple Store or Google Play. Even when downloading from those authorized sources, check the ratings and read the reviews to make sure that apps are reputable.
6) Install good antivirus software: Having good antivirus running on your devices will alert you of any malware in your system and alert you against clicking on any malicious links that may install malware on your devices, allowing hackers to gain access to your personal information. The best way to protect yourself from these kinds of cyberthreats or having your data breached is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.
7) Use a VPN: (virtual private network) to encrypt your internet traffic and hide your online activity from hackers. A VPN creates a secure tunnel between your device and the internet, preventing hackers from intercepting or modifying your data. You can use a VPN on your streaming devices, your router, your smartphone, or your computer. See my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.
8) Segment your network: By creating a separate network or a guest network for your streaming devices. This way, even if your streaming devices are compromised, hackers won’t be able to access your other devices that contain sensitive or personal information. You can segment your network using your router’s settings or a third-party app.
9) Disable remote access: Turn off remote access to your streaming devices and your router. Remote access allows you to control your devices from anywhere, but it also exposes them to hackers who can exploit the open ports and protocols. Unless you need remote access, turn it off in the settings of your devices and your router.
10) Turn it off: While it is easier to keep all your devices on, you can limit their time connected to the network or access to hacking by turning off and unplugging your streaming device when it is not in use.
MORE: HACKERS LATEST TRICK LOOKS LIKE FREE STREAMING MOVIES
Kurt’s key takeaways
Streaming devices pose some security risks but are unlikely to be the source of a hack into your life. Hackers can use any unprotected device connected to your network to infiltrate and compromise your security. This sort of trouble can lead to identity theft, data loss, or privacy invasion. To protect yourself and your network, you need to take some preventive measures, such as changing your passwords, updating your firmware, using a VPN, disabling remote access, and segmenting your network. By following these tips, you can enjoy your streaming services without worrying about hackers.
Have you ever experienced a security issue with your streaming devices? When was the last time you checked your privacy and security settings on your streaming device? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.
Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.
Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:
Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Microsoft’s Office 2019 apps for Mac will stop working next month, because the company isn’t renewing a certificate that validates Office licenses. Owners of Office 2019 for Mac are being warned they’ll have to purchase Office 2024 or a Microsoft 365 subscription if they want to continue editing documents.
Microsoft previously promised that “all your Office 2019 apps will continue to function,” when it announced end of support in 2023. The company then quietly updated that support note last month to remove the mention of apps continuing to function, replacing it with “Rest assured that all your Office 2019 apps won’t lose any data.”
Starting on July 13th, Office 2019 for Mac and Office 2021 for Mac will both run in “reduced functionality mode,” allowing people to open files but not edit, save, or create new documents. The reduced functionality will impact Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote.
While Microsoft is providing a certificate update for Office 2021 as it’s still supported until October 13th, 2026, the company is leaving Office 2019 for Mac users out in the cold as support for these apps ended a few years ago. “Office 2019 for Mac reached end of support on October 10, 2023, and no longer receives updates,” says Microsoft. “Because Office 2019 cannot be updated to the required version, this issue cannot be resolved by updating or reinstalling Office 2019 for Mac.”
JimmyTech points out that old versions of Microsoft 365 apps on Mac and iOS will also be affected by this certificate issue, but a simple update will fix it for those users.
Microsoft regularly ends support of software and there’s always the risk you could run into issues running older apps or versions of Windows. It’s still surprising to not see Microsoft make an exception here though, particularly because this certificate issue breaks the main functionality of an app you’ve paid a one-time license fee for.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
You know that little moment when your phone rings and the name on the screen makes you drop everything?
Maybe it says your spouse, your daughter, your boss or your best friend. You answer because you trust the name. Then the voice sounds familiar too.
That is exactly what makes the latest phone scams so dangerous.
Android’s fake call detection can warn you when a caller may be pretending to be someone saved in your contacts. (Silas Stein/Picture Alliance)
Scammers no longer have to call from a strange number. They can spoof a trusted contact’s phone number. Then they can use AI voice tools to sound like someone you know. Android is now rolling out a new feature called fake call detection to help warn you when that familiar call may be a fake.
FAKE AGENT PHONE SCAMS ARE SPREADING FAST ACROSS THE US
Join CyberGuy Live: Lock Down Your Phone in 30 Minutes (Saturday, June 13, 10 am ET)
- Your phone holds your email, passwords, photos, banking apps and personal data. In this free, live online class, Kurt the CyberGuy will walk you step by step through simple phone security fixes you can do in real time. You’ll learn how to improve your privacy settings, spot the latest phone scams, use trusted security tools and walk away with a simple checklist to stay protected. Register here: CyberGuyLive.com
What is Android fake call detection?
Android fake call detection is a new protection built into Phone by Google. It is designed to spot suspected spoofed calls when both people on the call use Phone by Google.
Think of it as your phone quietly asking, “Is this call really coming from that person’s device?” If the answer looks suspicious, your phone can show a warning and advise you to hang up. That small alert could stop a scam before fear, panic or confusion takes over.
ANDROID SECURITY UPGRADES OUTSMART SCAMS AND PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY
How Android fake call detection works
The feature works automatically in the background. You do not need to answer a quiz, scan a code or press a button during the call. When a trusted contact calls you, their phone sends a silent confirmation signal to your phone. That signal helps prove the call really came from their device.
If a scammer spoofs your contact’s number, that confirmation signal may be missing. Your phone then checks with your contact’s actual device. If the real device says it is not placing a call, your screen can warn you that the call may be fake.
The system uses end-to-end encrypted RCS technology, so the check happens privately. You can also turn the feature off in Phone by Google settings.
AI DEEPFAKE ROMANCE SCAM STEALS WOMAN’S HOME AND LIFE SAVINGS
Why fake calls are getting harder to spot
For years, caller ID gave people a sense of control. If the name looked familiar, most of us felt safer picking up. That old habit now works in the scammer’s favor.
Scammers can use internet-based calling tools to spoof numbers. That means your phone may display the name of someone you trust, even though the call comes from somewhere else.
Then comes the AI voice trick. With today’s audio tools, scammers can make a fake voice sound shockingly real. They may pretend to be a family member in trouble, a bank employee warning about fraud or a manager asking for urgent help.
SCAMMERS EXPLOITED MOM’S FEARS TO STEAL HER ENTIRE LIFE’S SAVINGS
That combination makes the call feel personal and immediate. It also makes you more likely to act before you think.
Why Android is adding this protection now
Impersonation scams have become a major global problem. INTERPOL’s March 2026 Global Financial Fraud Threat Assessment cited impersonation fraud as one of the leading contributors to more than $400 billion in global losses.
In the U.S., impersonation scams remain one of the top fraud categories reported to the FTC. Losses reached $2.95 billion in 2024.
GLOBAL SCAM CRACKDOWN LEADS TO 276 ARRESTS
Those numbers tell you why this feature deserves attention. Scammers go where the money is. Right now, they know trusted voices and trusted names can open the door.
Which Android phones get fake call detection?
Google says fake call detection is rolling out globally in Phone by Google this month, starting with Pixel devices.
The feature is available on Android 12 and newer devices with Phone by Google, Contacts and Google Messages installed. It also requires RCS capability in Google Messages.
SAMSUNG MESSAGES ENDING? WHAT ANDROID OWNERS MUST KNOW
There is one key limitation. Both you and the person calling you must use Phone by Google for fake call detection to work.
Phone by Google already comes as the default phone app on many Android devices. If your phone uses a different calling app, you can install Phone by Google from the Play Store and set it as your default phone app.
How Android fake call detection protects you
This feature gives you an extra warning at the exact moment you need it most. That timing is important. Scam calls often rely on emotion. The caller may say someone got arrested, a loved one had an accident or a bank account faces an urgent threat.
SSA IMPERSONATION SCAMS ARE GETTING MORE PERSONAL
When the voice sounds familiar, your guard drops. A warning on your screen can interrupt that emotional rush. It gives you a reason to stop, hang up and verify the story another way.
What Android fake call detection cannot do
This new tool helps, but it cannot protect you from every scam. It may not work if the other person does not use Phone by Google. It also may not cover calls from businesses, unknown numbers or contacts using unsupported devices. So you still need basic scam rules.
If someone asks for money, gift cards, crypto, account codes or remote access to your device, hang up. Then call the person or company back using a number you already trust.
Also, never stay on the line just because the caller tells you to. That is one of the oldest pressure tactics in the scammer playbook.
A spoofed call can look familiar on your screen, even when it is really coming from a scammer. (Kurt CyberGuy Knutsson)
How to protect yourself from AI voice scams
AI voice scams work because they sound personal, urgent and believable, so your best defense is to slow the conversation down before you act.
1) Create a family safe word
Pick a simple word or phrase that only your close family knows. It should be easy to remember but hard for a scammer to guess. Then, if someone calls with an emergency and asks for money, ask for the safe word. If they cannot give it, hang up and verify the story another way.
9 WAYS SCAMMERS CAN USE YOUR PHONE NUMBER TO TRY TO TRICK YOU
2) Pause when the call feels urgent
Scammers want you scared because fear makes people act fast. That is why fake emergency calls often sound intense, emotional and rushed. Take a breath before you do anything. A real loved one, bank or employer will let you verify what is happening.
3) Call back using a trusted number
If a call feels suspicious, hang up. Then call the person back using a number saved in your contacts or one you know is real. Do not use a number, link or instruction the caller gives you. That could send you right back to the scammer.
4) Never send money or codes during the call
Do not send gift cards, crypto, wire transfers or payment app transfers because a caller sounds convincing. Also, never share a one-time passcode, PIN or account login code over the phone. Once scammers get that information, they can move fast.
5) Turn on scam protections on your phone
Use the built-in protections already available on your device. Pixel and Samsung users can enable Scam Detection in the Phone by Google app to help flag suspicious calls. Also, consider using strong antivirus software that includes AI-powered scam protection to help detect scams in texts, online content and deepfake videos. Keep an eye on call warnings too. If your phone tells you something looks risky, treat that alert seriously. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
6) Keep your phone apps updated
Update Phone by Google, Google Contacts and Google Messages when updates are available. These tools work best when your apps and phone software stay current. Updates often include security improvements, bug fixes and new scam protections.
Here’s how to check for updates on Android:
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Tap Manage apps & device.
- Under Updates available, tap See details.
- Look for Phone by Google, Google Contacts and Google Messages.
- Tap Update next to each app, or tap Update all.
You can also turn on automatic app updates by opening the Google Play Store app, tapping your profile icon, then going to Settings > Network preferences > Auto-update apps. From there, choose whether to update apps over Wi-Fi, over Wi-Fi or mobile data, with limited mobile data or not at all.
Kurt’s key takeaways
If a call feels urgent or suspicious, pause before you respond and verify it another way. (Tristan Spinski/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Android’s fake call detection is a smart step in the fight against AI-powered phone scams. It recognizes something many people already know: the name on your caller ID no longer proves the person calling you is real. This feature gives Android users another layer of protection when scammers try to hijack trust. Still, the safest move remains simple. Slow down, verify the call and never let panic make the decision for you.
Should the government do more to stop scammers from using AI voices to impersonate the people you trust? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
- Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
- For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
- Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Congress narrowly voted to fund President Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda, giving the Department of Homeland Security $70 billion over the next three years.
The house voted 214 to 212 in favor of the reconciliation bill Tuesday, following the Senate’s 52-47 vote last Friday morning. The vote fell largely along party lines. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) was the only Senate Republican to vote against it. Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI), initially voted against the bill — meaning it would have failed — but changed his vote after huddling with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Appropriations Chair Tom Cole (R-OK), according to The Hill. No Democrats voted in favor of the funding bill, which was done through a budget reconciliation process to avoid a Democratic filibuster.
In a speech on the House floor ahead of the Tuesday vote, Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA) criticized Republicans for using the budget reconciliation process to avoid negotiating with Democrats, and emphasized ICE’s lack of popularity with the American people.
“At its core, this Republican reconciliation budget bill is a statement about priorities, and the priorities represented in this budget bill could not be more out of step with the needs and values of the American people,” Scanlon said.
Scanlon noted that DHS has yet to spend $100 billion of the nearly $200 billion it received under Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. She added that Trump has not only expanded ICE’s reach by increasingly going after legal immigrants but also weaponized DHS against its critics. The bill, she said, will “supercharge” Trump’s abuses.
After the House markup last Friday, Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, noted that the bill not only lacks sufficient reforms but also cuts funding for cybersecurity and TSA, whose workers went weeks without pay during the DHS shutdown.
The funding bill comes at a time of deep unpopularity for ICE. One recent poll found that just 33 percent of voters approve of how the agency is doing its job.
And it comes amid yet another threat from border czar Tom Homan to flood New York City with ICE agents. In an interview with Fox News on Monday, Homan said he would send “more ICE agents than you’ve ever seen” to New York City if the state government passed a bill limiting cooperation with DHS.
“Providing a quarter trillion dollars to an administration promising that the public ‘ain’t seen shit yet’ when it comes to mass deportation is a historic mistake,” Todd Schulte, president of the immigration reform group FWD.us, said in a statement. “Supercharging the funding for these already out of control systems will come with terrible human consequences and continue to be met with increasing opposition from voters.”
Correction, June 9th: A previous version of this story said Rep. Tim Walberg voted against the funding bill. He initially voted against it but then changed his vote to support it.
Update, June 9th: This story has been updated to include comment from FWD.us president Todd Schulte.
-
Michigan2 minutes agoTrieu: For Michigan State targets, visits, in-state decisions loom
-
Massachusetts5 minutes agoMake Father’s Day memorable with these 10 activities in Massachusetts
-
Minnesota10 minutes agoStrong winds, downed trees hit Twin Cities, cutting power to 50,000 in Minnesota
-
Missouri15 minutes agoNew West Boulevard Elementary School principal announced
-
Mississippi17 minutes agoHow Britain Became as Poor as Mississippi
-
Montana25 minutes agoDEQ to host Big Hole River water quality open house in Divide
-
Nebraska32 minutes agoNebraska pitcher enters transfer portal
-
Nevada35 minutes agoVOTE: Now that Nevada’s primary election is over, what best describes your experience?
