More Risk of Malware Infection While Accessing Pirated Websites

March 21, 2024

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According to a study by cybersecurity experts, Indian consumers who visit pirated websites are more likely to become infected with malware than those who use other platforms, such as those that host adult content or gambling advertisements.

According to a study conducted by experts at the Indian School of Business (ISB), Indian consumers underestimate their true cyber risk when using piracy sites. As a result, cybersecurity threats associated with these websites need to be addressed immediately.

It was reported in a report released here on Tuesday titled ‘The Piracy-Malware Nexus in India: A Perceptions and Experience and Empirical Analysis’ that the 18-24 age group, despite their frequent use of these platforms, shows low awareness levels of cyber risks.

Professor Manish Gangwar, Dr. Shruti Mantri, and Dr. Paul Watters, an adjunct cybersecurity professor at La Trobe University in Melbourne, are co-authors of the paper.

According to the study, “accessing pirated websites carries a higher risk of malware infection 59% compared to other platforms, such as the adult industry 57% and gambling advertisements 53%.”

Using VirusTotal, the study examined 150 websites and identified cyber risk categories like spam, phishing attempts, malware, malicious content, and suspicious activity.

Furthermore, the report discovered that scam piracy websites are more likely to expose users to cyber threats than regular piracy sites—especially those with a large following.

It stated that malware distribution provides piracy site operators with an extra source of income, and that online piracy in India is still profitable.

It said that online piracy in India remains profitable, with malware distribution serving as an additional revenue stream for piracy site operators.

The report emphasised the importance of making internet users aware of the real online risks they face when accessing pirated websites and services.

Using VirusTotal, the study examined 150 websites and identified cyber risk categories like spam, phishing attempts, malware, malicious content, and suspicious activity.

Furthermore, the report discovered that scam piracy websites are more likely to expose users to cyber threats than regular piracy sites—especially those with a large following.

It stated that malware distribution provides piracy site operators with an extra source of income, and that online piracy in India is still profitable.

It said that online piracy in India remains profitable, with malware distribution serving as an additional revenue stream for piracy site operators.

The report emphasised the importance of making internet users aware of the real online risks they face when accessing pirated websites and services.