It's no secret that millions of UK homes have ditched traditional ways of watching TV and switched over to illegal streams. Accessing content via so-called 'dodgy' Fire TV Sticks has boomed in popularity with these devices often coming pre-loaded with software that lets owners watch premium content without paying hefty monthly subscription fees.

With the cost of living crisis still hurting wallets, it's hardly surprising that money-conscious Brits are looking for cheaper options. Getting access to Sky Sports, Sky Cinema and pay-per-view content at a fraction of the usual cost may sound enticing, but there are plenty of reasons to be cautious, and it's not just because it's highly illegal.

Experts at McAfee and BeStreamWise are warning that viewing content via unofficial sources comes with a number of "real dangers", including exposing homes to malware, viruses and inappropriate content.

“From malware hidden in ads to sophisticated scams promising free content, many illegal streaming sites expose people to threats that go far beyond what an anti-virus tool can handle," explained Vonny Gamot, Head of EMEA at online protection company, McAfee.

"That’s why it’s important to stay informed about the latest online threats and best practices, to better protect your online privacy, identity and money.

“Recent advances in AI are also making it harder to tell the difference between what’s real and what isn’t online, but scammers will always use a sense of urgency to try and catch you with your guard down, so be cautious and think twice before clicking links or sharing personal info.”

There are plenty of myths around illegal streaming, including VPNs offering total protection and buying a streaming devices from friends being less of a danger. However, before you start believing that you are totally safe when heading online to watch the Premier league, many of these whispers have now been busted with McAfee and BeStreamWise revealing the top myths that should be ignored.

If you use a Fire TV Stick or other streaming device, here's all you need to know and top tips from McAfee and BeStreamWise

MYTH 1: VPNs protect you from online piracy scams

It's though that around 57 percent of illegal streamers believe using a VPN reduces the risk of negative consequences associated with online piracy.

However, while VPNs can help secure your data in transit, they cannot protect you from giving out personal information on a malicious site, getting infected with malware and viruses, or guarantee complete anonymity.

Using a VPN prevents some forms of tracking, however this only works at a network level.

Tracking cookies that can spy on your online habits are stored directly in your web browser when you access a website and they can even spy on your activities after leaving that website too, potentially exposing you to identity theft or unauthorised access to your accounts.

MYTH 2: Using a dodgy stick or box is less risky because you can purchase it through someone you know

Over a third of illegal streamers doubt the dodgy box or stick they use is risky because they got it through someone they know. Regardless of who you purchase these from, jailbroken devices (which allow users to watch copyrighted content for free) unlock access to third-party and unverified apps which open the doors to harmful content, data breaches and data tracking.

MYTH 3: Illegal streaming doesn’t have any serious negative consequences.

More than half of Brits think that illegally streaming content is unlikely to have serious consequences such as financial loss or personal info being shared with others without their permission. However, even though you may be paying a monetary fee for a jailbroken device, it is important to remember it is not a legitimate service and the act of ‘purchasing’ a subscription will involve sharing your financial information and funding organised criminal networks.

In the last week, an illegal streaming platform operator has been found guilty of five criminal charges including various cybercrime and intellectual property related offences, convicted and sentenced to 11 months in prison, alongside a fine of more than £69,000 in penalties and damages. This follows the recent sentencing of Cormac McGuckin to four years in prison for running an illegal streaming service, following 23 previous convictions including theft and fraud.

MYTH 4: A dodgy box has the same level of security as a regular pay TV provider

A third of illegal streamers wrongly believe that a dodgy box has the same level of security as a regular pay TV provider.

James, an illegal streamer from London, thought he was sidestepping subscription costs to stream Premier League football and boxing, but by using a jailbroken device, he was a target of malware, with disturbing, explicit pop-ups becoming a regular occurrence.