FBI warns what's under your TV could be letting hackers spy on you

The FBI has recently issued a warning about off-brand devices typically found beneath TVs, as they have been discovered to be used by cybercriminals.

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The FBI posted a warning on March 12, 2026, about cheap off-brand streaming devices, such as Android-based devices that offer "free" movies, TV shows, sports channels, and more. These devices are becoming increasingly popular as streaming services raise the minimum cost of access to platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+. The FBI warns that while users may be saving hundreds of dollars per month, they could have given cybercriminals access, who could use the device to create a residential proxy network.

Hackers using residential proxy networks are looking to route illegal internet traffic, such as bots, through real home IP addresses, effectively disguising the hacker's activity as if it's coming from a legitimate user. Typically, websites can detect or even block suspicious internet traffic, but residential proxy networks are much harder to detect, as hackers use real devices connected to real households.

The FBI warns that some devices can even come pre-loaded with malware that automatically compromises the user once the device is connected to the home internet connection, or these devices prompt the user with requests to install unwanted apps or software that secretly installs malicious software that then compromises the user's connection.

Authorities recommend that users avoid any devices that appear "too good to be true" or unknown or unverified sources. Additionally, don't download or install unverified software, or agree to rewards in exchange for internet bandwidth.