Cyberattack Many residents in the UAE experienced an unexpected disruption to their television programs on Sunday night as a cyberattack targeted set-top boxes, replacing regular content with information about Israeli actions in Palestine.
Hacking Incident Unveiled
Subscribers reported a sudden switch on European live channels, displaying a message claiming, “We have no choice but to hack to deliver this message to you.” Screens then shifted to an AI news anchor presenting a bulletin on the situation in Israeli prisons, accompanied by distressing visuals.
Residents Share Their Experiences: Cyberattack
A Dubai resident shared his experience, stating, “I was watching BBC News around 10.30 pm when the program was abruptly disrupted, and instead, harrowing visuals from Palestine appeared on my screen.” The hacker’s message popped up in all caps, followed by a news bulletin presented by an AI anchor.
Ongoing Disruption and Provider Response
The hacking issue remained unresolved until the time of publication on Monday. In response to desperate messages from concerned subscribers, the set-top box provider issued an apology, acknowledging that their systems had been hacked, and assured subscribers that they were actively investigating the problem.
Insights from Cybersecurity Expert
Obaidullah Kazmi, the Founder and CTO of the Dubai-based cybersecurity company Credo, shed light on the situation, suggesting that the streaming servers of the illicit IPTV network had been compromised. He warned of the vulnerability of unauthorized services and urged caution for those using such services, emphasizing the associated risks of accessing unlicensed content providers.
Impact on Industry and Financial Implications: Cyberattack
The extent of illegal decoder and pirate satellite dish usage in the UAE is unclear, but broadcast piracy poses a significant financial impact on the industry. Licensed retailers in the UAE’s electronic equipment market for premium content may be losing up to 40 per cent of their business due to the widespread prevalence of illegal decoders and satellite dishes.
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