Xilften (“Netflix” spelled backwards) is a new pirated streaming site that has piqued the interest of Spanish users. The service offers TV series and movies online, with no need to download them, including titles that are still in theaters.
Xilften is not the first to offer this type of service, considered illegal in Brazil. In 2015, a Federal Police operation closed several pirated streaming sites, including one of the largest of its kind, Mega Filmes HD.
This new service, however, appears to offer far less advertising than older rivals. Pages may pop up in new tabs after a few clicks, but there are no banners visible anywhere on the site.
An extension capable of blocking ads can easily deal with pop-ups that come up in a few clicks. On the other hand, Xilften also offers encryption through the HTTPS protocol, which protects the unication between user and page.
Most films and series offered have only one audio option: dubbed in Portuguese. And strangely, there are two different addresses for the website. One of them leads directly to the catalog of films and series of the service, without requiring registration.
The other address first goes through a login screen. The problem with this page is that, as it is a pirated service, there is no way of knowing what those responsible for Xilften will do with your e-mail and password – even if it does not ask for bank details.
The danger lies in the fact that many people use the same password for many different services, from Facebook to Google. In possession of your email and a password created by you, hackers can, luckily, deduce your login to other services.
Let's say, for example, that when registering at Xilften, you enter the same password you used when registering for an online store. If hackers try to log into this store your Xilften email and password, they may have access to the credit card details you used on your last visit.
This address that requires login also offers links entitled "Privacy", "Terms of use", "Frequently asked questions" and "Contact", to convey a sense of legitimacy to the service. However, all links lead to pages that do not exist.
It is worth noting that Xilften also uses cookies from your Facebook navigation, which indicates a possible trail being followed up to your personal activities on the internet. Other than that, there is no other danger sign on the website interface on the PC. Another problem, however, is in the cell phone.
Xilften also offers a downloadable application - another point that requires care. The application only works on Android and does not appear on Google Play. Those who want to install, need to download the APK and do the manual installation.
The problem with apps downloaded outside of Google Play is that they are not controlled by Google's security rules, and may well have access to certain privileges on Android without your permission. Even download a virus later without your knowing it.
On Facebook, Xilften's developers say that the movies available on the site come from external servers, which at times can be closed, promising user access to the titles. The closure may be linked to the “pirate” nature of the service.
Xilften seems to offer exactly what the name suggests: an experience contrary to Netflix. No copyright and no security guarantee, but, on the other hand, free of charge. It is worth taking care if you want to use this new pirated streaming site.
