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This article is about how to safely use Kodi.
Kodi is a free, open-source media player that is used by millions of people worldwide. It is an old application that has been around for years and was first released in 2002 as an Xbox Media Player and later on became a Kodi in 2014. This amazing software was developed by XBMC Foundation and available on any device such as Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Firestick, and more.
It is a powerful tool for organizing your media libraries such as Video, Movies, Music, Photos, Live TV, Sports, News, Documentaries, and a lot more. The good thing with it is it supports different kinds of Kodi Addons that you can install and try for free.
You can watch thousands of content from numerous streaming services for free and with less buffering. There are also Kodi Builds or pre-canned packaged Builds with lots of addons on them, including settings, graphics, a set of themes, and information displayed in the Build interface.
Kodi Security and Privacy Issues
Kodi isn’t illegal, but you cannot assure that you are safe and protected while using these unknown Addons. Since many users have claimed that they experience some privacy and security issues on Kodi. We list down some of the privacy risks and some security issues on Kodi that you need to know and be aware of.
Man-in-the-Middle Attacks
Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks occur when there is a hacker, tracker, or alters that intercepts in between the communication of the two parties, it controls and knows the entire conversation and might access some confidential files.
You will never know that there is a middleman between the two of you. Some Kodi addons have been a target in MitM attacks, especially those that need an updated version. It attacks when you update an add-on, and it will be automatically downloaded and installed in it without you knowing.
Hack Outdated Addon
One problem with outdated addons is, they are prone to hackers and MiM attacks. An estimated 25% of all repositories are either dead or have outdated content. Kodi is sometimes not aware of these dead addons, and if you do not manually remove them, Kodi will keep on trying to download updates which is a great opportunity for outsider hackers.
Hackers will find and dead addons or repositories to hijack thousands of devices. These hackers can access all of your info on your device and might copy and use your personal information, steal passwords and even take over in operating your device.
Malware and Viruses in Addons
One common issue on Kodi is addon with malware and virus that may affect your device. These viruses are from an unsafe addon you install on your Kodi that might affect your device performance and lead to Kodi shutdown, buffering, slow down, and freeze. Numerous Kodi Addons and Builds have reportedly affected the systems with viruses and malware because they are third-party downloads from unknown sources.
DDoS Botnet Attacks
Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks occur when you download and install unofficial Kodi TV addons because sometimes hackers place malicious code which can turn your device into a bot within a botnet to hack your device. A DDoS attack is a malicious attempt to disrupt normal traffic on a targeted server, service, or network by interfering with its internet traffic.
In February 2017, the Exodus was found vulnerable to this kind of attack. Later on, the addon was confirmed to have malicious code. Other Kodi addons might have this kind of an issue too. That is why you cannot assure that a particular addon is safe from DDoS attacks, and you must take precautionary actions to be safe from these attacks.
Why should we use Kodi safely?
Kodi is a legal application and a great media player. However, since there are lots of privacy and security issues on Kodi, you must be safe while using this application. You must do precautionary premises to keep your device safe from any addons you install and install on Kodi. Being safe while using Kodi eliminates the possibility of identity theft, becoming a victim of hackers and trackers online, and some issues.
ReviewVPN cannot attest to the legality, security and privacy of the applications discussed on this site. It is highly recommended that you use a VPN service while streaming or using Kodi. Currently, your IP 216.73.216.102 is visible to everyone and your Browser is being tracked by Advertisers & ISP Provider. Here are the main reasons why you must use a VPN: A VPN works be replacing your ISP-assigned IP address and creating an encrypted tunnel. We recommend the no log service offered by IPVanish. It works well on a Firestick and offers the fastest possible speeds.
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Install Surfshark on Firestick
Ways on How to Use Kodi Safely
Here are some of the ways on how you can safely use a Kodi.
Using a VPN
One of the most suggested ways on how you can stay safe using Kodi is to get a Virtual Private Network or a VPN. This software is an online companion that you can rely on while using Kodi.
VPNs encrypt all your web traffic and reroute it through a private server using a high standard for encryption that will safeguard all of your data without leaving nothing that can lead you. This process is a great way to keep away and mitigate man-in-the-middle attacks by making it difficult for them to intercept your communication to others and your activities.
A VPN is a reliable tool that is trusted by millions of people worldwide. It also helps you reduce malicious content brought by unofficial addons. One thing that makes VPN love by everyone is it can prevent ISP from interfering with your connection to give you unlimited bandwidth, and it also prevents ISP from snooping to see what you are doing.
It is the most effective way to protect your privacy online, where it prevents anyone from looking at your IP address because it has an encrypting tool that hides your IP address and lets you connect to any server of your choice. The good thing with VPN is it is like a friend online that lets you safely use any addons anonymously and privately.
Use Only Official Addons
One common reason for these privacy and security issues is using unofficial addons that bring plenty of risk and danger. That is why unofficial addons are not safe to use at all, and as much as possible avoid using addons from unknown servers. Whereas sometimes these addons have some malicious malware and viruses that might affect your device.
As we have mentioned above, DDoS attacks occur when you download and install unofficial Kodi addons where hackers place malicious code that can turn your device into a bot within a botnet to hack your device and control it. So, to keep safe and use only Kodi official addon repository and worry nothing about safety risk.
We list down some of the official and unofficial Kodi Addons:
Official Kodi Addons
- NBC live extra
- iPlayer WWW
- PBS kids
- Com
- Nasa
- YouTube
- Fox Sports Go
- Twitch
- Dailymotion
- Plex
Unofficial Kodi Addons
These are some of the popular unofficial Kodi addons that provide free TV shows and movies. You must be aware of these kinds of addons to keep your device safe.
- Genesis Reborn
- cCloud TV
- Fantastic
- Oculus
- Placenta
- Gurzil
- Poseidon
- Mobdro
- Exodus
- Covenant
Regularly Updating Kodi
Regularly updating Kodi gives you lots of benefits, such as troubleshooting some technical issues in the older version. When you update a Kodi it requires you to reinstall the application. Through this process, it replaces and even upgrades outdated files to eliminate some malicious content in them.
One reason why security issues occur is because of outdated software with some critical patches and security holes. That is why, one solution that we recommend is to regularly update your Kodi to fix technical issues, remove unwanted files, fix bugs, security concerns, and get updated features.
In updating your Kodi, kindly read our article on How to update Kodi on Firestick to guide you.
Avoid Kodi Builds
A Kodi build is a popular pre-packaged version that has numerous addons already installed and repositories. The good thing with these builds is it has its skin, settings, and themes displayed on the interface, that is why it is popular among Kodi users.
However, Kodi Builds are also unsafe because of some security issues. Whereas, some builds have lots of unofficial and outdated addons with malicious codes that can affect your device and hack your system. Others also have a link to a dodgy service where build creators have an affiliate relationship with the IPTV service to monetize their builds.
Builds are amazing because it is locked with an addon that you can use within a single build only. However, you must also be aware that not every Kodi Builds are safe to use.
Remove Dead Addons & Repositories
As we have mentioned above almost 25% of the Kodi repositories are dead or an addon abandoned by their developer for a long time which makes them not work properly. It will affect you and your device when a potential hacker has hacked these dead addons or repositories to hijack thousands of devices and steal files on your device. You are not safe from these addons. That is why we suggest that you remove them as soon as possible before it brings malware to your device.
Removing dead addons and repositories is a good way to optimize your storage as well as to protect your device from potential hackers online.
Best VPN for Kodi
One of the ways how to safely use Kodi is using a VPN. The best VPN that we highly recommend is Surfshark. It is one of the proven and tested VPNs committed to giving its users the best quality of service they deserve. Whereas, Surfshark protects personal data in the heat of privacy threats with one touch. As well as keep your connection safe over hotspots and unsecured networks.
It is also the VPN that keeps you anonymous online by encrypting your data and IP address. Safeguard access to your most important files with encrypted backup, automated syncing, and remote wiping controls. Surfshark is also a budget-friendly VPN that offers you lots of impressive features along with trusted service. Read our Surfshark Review if you want to learn more about this VPN.
Here are the reasons why it is our VPN of choice:
- Bypass restrictions and geo-blocks to access lots of content.
- This VPN service has 3,200 VPN servers in 65 worldwide locations.
- Military-grade AES-256 encryption follows FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standards) that oversees the handling of sensitive data.
- It follows a strict No-Logs Policy
- No Bandwidth limits – you can enjoy a full-speed VPN connection without any throttling.
- It works on all devices
- 24/7 customer support.
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How to Install Surfshark VPN on Firestick
If your Firestick still has the older interface, read this article to learn how to update it: Update Firestick Interface.
You can download Surfshark directly from the Amazon App store. It will be easy for you to find Surfshark with your Firestick’s Find feature. Refer to our screenshots below.
1. Go to the Home screen of your Firestick.
2. Navigate towards the Find tab. Press the Search button from the resulting dropdown.
3. Type in the keyword of SurfShark and select from the suggestions that will appear.
4. Click the official SurfShark icon from your search results.
5. Press the Download (You own it) button.
6. The SurfShark VPN installer will download on your device.
7. SurfShark VPN’s app will automatically install itself on your Fire TV stick.
8. Press the Open button after completing SurfShark VPN’s installation process.
9. Please wait for the SurfShark VPN to load its user interface.
10. You can now log in with your SurfShark VPN account credentials.
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FAQs
Is Kodi legal?
Yes, Kodi is legal as long as you use official and legal addons.
Is Kodi safe?
Yes, Kodi is safe, but sometimes it is unsafe because of some hackers invading the software through unofficial addons.
How to update Kodi on Firestick?
To update the Kodi on Firestick, kindly read our article on Update Kodi.
How to install Kodi on Firestick?
Kodi works well on Firestick, and to install it, kindly read our article below.
How to Install Kodi On Firestick.
Conclusion
Kodi is an amazing media player software. However, because of some factors, Kodi becomes an unsafe software with lots of privacy and security issues. That is why this article wants to give you some ways how you can use Kodi safely. All of the ways that we have mentioned above are very easy to follow and you need to have discipline in using Kodi to avoid these issues while using it. One of the best ways that we recommend to you to safely use Kodi is using a VPN such as the Ipvansh to keep you protected and safe online. We hope this article helps you with how you can safely use a Kodi.
