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Growing Number of State Attorneys General Alarmed over Cyber Risks from Illegal WebsitesWASHINGTON, Feb. 14, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Attorneys General representing California, Texas, Virginia and 25 other states have warned consumers about the threat of websites pirating TV, film and other entertainment content in a public service campaign spearheaded by Internet safety watchdog Digital Citizens Alliance. Hackers often target these illegal sites to bait users into downloading malware that can jeopardize their personal and financial information or, in some cases, secretly hijack their computer cameras.
The campaign – a national first – features a series of PSAs on television, radio, and social media channels. "With technology moving so fast, it's sometimes difficult to know what is risky. That is why state AGs are playing a vital role in alerting consumers to the danger that consumers face from malware and content theft websites," said Tom Galvin, Executive Director of the Digital Citizens Alliance. "From websites to new devices loaded with pirated content, hackers have found ingenious ways to invade your home. The best defense is knowledge, and AGs are providing it." Those state AGs who most recently participated in the campaign include: AR: Leslie Rutledge RI: Peter Kilmartin VA: Mark Herring WY: Peter Michael Additional campaign participants include: AZ: Mark Brnovich In addition to alerts from state AGs, the Federal Trade Commission has warned consumers about the malware dangers from content theft. Research by cyber security firm RiskIQ found that 1 in 3 pirate websites expose users to malware. The firm also estimates that content thieves are making an estimated $70 million a year just from allowing malware distributors to place malicious code on their websites. As previously publicized, a RiskIQ investigation probed hundreds of websites dedicated to distributing stolen movies and television shows and found:
About Digital Citizens Digital Citizens is a consumer-oriented coalition focused on educating the public and policy makers on the threats that consumers face on the Internet and the importance for Internet stakeholders – individuals, government and industry - to make the Web a safer place. Based in Washington, DC, the Digital Citizens Alliance counts among its supporters: private citizens, the health, pharmaceutical and creative industries as well as online safety experts and other communities focused on Internet safety. Contact: Adam Benson, [email protected], 202.999.9104
SOURCE Digital Citizens Alliance 
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