The proliferation of Android-powered IPTV boxes, typically used for piracy purposes, has become a major challenge for Brazilian authorities. Faced with this threat, the National Telecommunications Agency of Brazil (Anatel) has implemented a strict regulatory framework that prohibits these uncertified devices, based on security and technical compliance criteria. According to the agency, these pirate boxes represent a risk both for the rights of content creators and for the country’s telecom infrastructure.
A hackathon to find solutions
It is in this context that the agency decided to partner with the Hackathon Brasil community to organize a competition at the end of September. The event challenged attendees to develop solutions to block uncertified boxes remotely. Anatel thus hopes to benefit from the innovative ideas of hackers to better fight against large-scale piracy.
The official Anatel press release presents the event as a “ important initiative for industry, the regulated sector and academic circles “. The hackathon is part of a broader strategy to combat online piracy, particularly connected devices that do not comply with Brazilian standards. Concerns include operating system vulnerabilities, malware, and the ability of these devices to execute malicious code on other devices connected to the same local network.
The hackathon is not just a technical competition. Beyond the financial rewards, which amount to around $1,200 for the winning team, the main issue is the creation of technologies that could potentially be integrated into future anti-piracy strategies. Participants will have to agree that their projects can be used by Anatel and other entities for ten years, without additional compensation.
The problem of pirate boxes is all the more difficult to solve as these devices are massively present in Brazilian homes. Millions of these devices, often marketed without any certification, are used to pirate programs of all kinds, including sports competitions. In October 2023, Anatel announced that it had succeeded in blocking 80% of illegal boxes in Brazil, a relative success which obviously does not seem to discourage users of these devices.
The large-scale solution envisaged by the regulator could involve the development of malware targeting these devices, an area in which Brazil has been historically vulnerable. Android boxes, often sold at low prices, are easy targets for cybercriminals, who use them to spread botnets and infiltrate other devices connected to the same network.
The results of the hackathon will be closely monitored by regulators around the world: everyone faces the same hacking problems, and this is also the case in France of course.
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