VideoGuard

Access flags can be downloaded to the subscriber's card either over the air (via 'hidden' data streams) or by using the box's built in modem, thereby allowing rapid changing of channel packages and ordering of events.

Despite widespread piracy of the US DirecTV service between 1997 and 2002, the implementation in the UK remained secure until 2014 when a BBC investigation revealed that some companies in south London offered pirated Sky TV sold for £10 a month.

The BBC report quoted Keith Cottenden, forensic services director at consultants Cy4or, said in February 2014 that there were some areas in the UK where those hacking satellite TV outnumber viewers paying for it legitimately.

It is suspected that the version initially used by Sky was either insecure or close to being broken, as a software update rolled out to all boxes required replacement of the BSkyB subscriber's viewing card.

A software CAM emulator exists for the Dreambox & Triple-Dragon Linux-powered satellite receivers, along with the Diablo, Dragon, Giga-Blue and T-Rex conditional-access modules.