• By Naughty Boy

How Free Adult Sites Compromise Your Data: Learn about malware risks, third-party trackers, phishing attacks, privacy breaches, and how to protect yourself.

How Free Adult Sites Compromise Your Data and Privacy 

The sad reality is that most free adult sites generate revenues off ads and leveraging data without much concern about their users’ safety and privacy. Although you won’t have to pay a dime to access porn on these platforms, it's often at the expense of your safety and security.

In this section, we will uncover how watching adult content on free platforms puts you at risk:

Risk of Malware 

If you are visiting free porn sites, there’s a high chance you will encounter malware and phishing—which is a big deal. Website malware is software developed with the malicious intent of compromising your device and stealing delicate information. Free adult porn sites infected with malware often masquerade as legitimate platforms to trick their users. They can also imitate reputable websites to gain the trust of users.

 Malware comes in different forms: You could visit free adult sites and you are directed elsewhere. It could also be in a pop-up notification that your device has been infected and you should contact a “tech support” number to fix your malware.

 It’s paramount to note that sometimes the website's admins are not the culprit. They can also be victims due to vulnerable software and tampered or null third-party components, or even server-level. Hackers create malware for financial gains and hacktivism. They can also create it to build a reputation as a bad actor.

 When you visit free adult sites, whether for streaming, downloading content, or even playing adults games, you risk falling into the traps of cybercriminals. Some fitting examples are data theft (access to social security numbers, bank details, and login credentials) and infecting your device with viruses, spyware, or ransomware (resulting in extortion).

Risk of Third-Party Trackers 

Personal data is precious and should never be in the hands of other parties without your consent. You must know the data that’s collected from you. Third-party trackers are creepy. They collect data by entities besides the adult-free website you have direct interaction with. It provides useful insight for advertisers and site owners using collected data such as age, income level, online behaviour, and more.

 Third-party trackers raise serious concerns about users’ collection and usage of data without their consent. Whether you’re browsing adult dating sites or other adult platforms with third-party trackers, these entities can collect information from your device and your identity. Not only that, but your IP address, location, system hardware, and details on the browser you are using are also available to third parties.

Risks of Phishing Attacks 

Phishing attacks are deceptive tactics employed by cybercriminals to threaten website users to steal login credentials to other platforms, social security details, and credit card numbers. Hackers can also send the victims an email spoofing a reputable brand, trying to trick you into clicking on a malicious link which takes you to a login page requesting to enter credentials (like username and password). Visiting a free adult site can expose you to phishing attacks which could hurt you.

Risk of Legal Troubles 

There’s also a risk of legal troubles when you watch free adult content. Engaging in an intensive sex life might lead some individuals to seek out extreme or taboo material online, increasing the risk of exposure to harmful content. Cybercriminals can exploit this by infecting your device with viruses that place illegal content, such as child porn or depictions of rape, on your device without your knowledge.

 Let’s face it, getting the court to see that you are innocent would be hard because it’s on your device. This can result in serious jail time for an offence you know nothing about. 

Risk of Privacy Breach 

Your viewing and browsing habits are no one’s business but yours only. Whether it’s a porn site or apps, your history can affect your reputation online. Cybercriminals can also threaten to disclose your browsing history to business associates or the public in exchange for a certain amount of money.  Furthermore, your IP can be blocked by popular platforms.

Risk of Financial Losses 

When you visit free adult sites and cybercriminals have access to your banking details (including your login credentials), they can steal your money without a trace. On top of that, they can use your data to obtain loans you never took.

 Safety Measures to Protect Your Data and Privacy From Cyber Threats and Attacks 

There are a couple of safety measures you could take to protect your data from cyber threats and attacks. Here are some of them: 

●      Get an antivirus

●      Update your browser regularly

●      Get a VPN

●      Use incognito mode on your browser

With that said, each of these safety has its limitations. For instance, going incognito doesn’t hide your IP address and cybercriminals can keep tabs on your activities online. Therefore, the most effective way to protect yourself is to only visit a safe adult sites like PornKut.