**Warning Issued to Irish 'Dodgy Box' Owners Following Large-Scale Cyber Attacks on Everyday Streaming Devices**

Irish households with "dodgy boxes" or other unregulated streaming devices are being warned about the growing threat of cyber attacks, according to a recent warning from Grant Thornton. The professional services firm estimates that up to 400,000 Irish households may be affected by these attacks.

The warning comes in the wake of the largest Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack ever recorded last November, carried out by a botnet known as Kimwolf. This type of cyber attack involves hackers overwhelming a website or network with traffic from multiple sources, rendering it inaccessible to legitimate users.

Grant Thornton has warned that everyday home technology, including Android streaming boxes and TV streaming devices, are susceptible to being compromised by sophisticated hacking efforts. These devices, often purchased online without proper regulation, can be easily exploited by cyber criminals looking to gain access to sensitive information or disrupt services.

"We urge all householders with 'dodgy boxes' or other unregulated streaming devices to take immediate action to protect themselves from these increasing threats," said a spokesperson for Grant Thornton. "These attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and we fear that many Irish households may be at risk of being compromised."

The warning is not just limited to home streaming devices. Cyber security experts have warned that other household appliances, such as smart TVs and internet-connected speakers, can also be vulnerable to hacking.

"As technology advances, so do the tactics of cyber criminals," said a cybersecurity expert. "We urge all households to take proactive steps to protect themselves from these threats, including changing passwords regularly, keeping software up-to-date, and using antivirus software."

The Irish government has been urged to take action to regulate the sale of streaming devices and ensure that they meet basic security standards. This includes implementing strict controls on the importation and sale of such devices, as well as providing education and awareness campaigns for consumers.

"We believe that the government must take a more proactive role in regulating these devices and ensuring that they are safe for use," said a spokesperson for Grant Thornton. "The consequences of not doing so could be severe, including data breaches, identity theft, and even physical harm."

As the threat of cyber attacks continues to grow, households are being urged to take immediate action to protect themselves from these threats. With an estimated 400,000 Irish households at risk, it is essential that consumers take proactive steps to secure their devices and protect themselves from these increasingly sophisticated hacking efforts.