Subtitle Hacking Can Take Over Your PC

Ever feel like you might be losing something in translation? Well, this catchphrase has taken on a much sinister tone as a hacking tool has been discovered that would allow someone to take control of your PC, simply because you decided to turn the subtitles on.

How does this subtitle hacking work?

Checkpoint has reported that the hack has been discovered in a number of the most popular video playing tools.

The below are confirmed to have been affected.

• VLC
• Kodi
• Popcorn Time
• Stemio

The subtitle hacking tool works by the hacker uploading the tool with the video. When you click to access/download the subtitles it also launches a code which sets up a remote desktop so that the hacker can view and access your PC. If you consider that when watching a film you are at your PC for 2 hours, consider what else you might be doing. Logging into your bank while watching Rick and Morty? Checking Facebook while catching up on the Walking Dead? you might be revealing your personal information if you need to use the subtitles.

As a side note – Wouldn’t there be some irony if the recent hacked early release of Orange is the New black had this subtitle hacking included?

A dramatised depiction of a hacker. Scary Stuff!

What can I do to protect myself?

Since the hack has been discovered, VLC, Kodi, Popcorn Time and Stremio have all released updated. It is strongly recommended that you visit the site and download the latest version available to protect yourself from this.

While we may not all need to use subtitles, when you are on the tube or perhaps watching a foreign anime, subtitles are occasionally necessary. They are of course vital for those with impaired hearing.

The below video demonstrates how the hacking tool works, so remember to protect yourself. If you are sitting back to a relaxing few hours of My Little Pony, some hacker might find out you are a closet Brony.