What do DirecTV and Dish Network Do to Stop Signal Theft

DirecTV and Dish Network utilize different methods in preventing unauthorized access of satellite signals. Here are some of the methods used by both DirecTV and Dish Network in maintaining the security of the satellite signals that they broadcast.

Blacklisting access cards to reduce and counter signal theft

DirecTV can cancel the operation of specific access cards. They can block or blacklist the Conditional Access Module ID utilized by the access card. DirecTV maintains a database of all the access cards which have been cancelled. The error message for calling extension 75 will be displayed incase the user uses an access card with a blacklisted Conditional Access Module ID.

Using Electronic Counter Measures or ECM to avoid signal theft

Dish Network and DirecTV have engineered the use of hostile satellite signals which are broadcast in order to cause malfunctions in unauthorized access cards. These attacks are referred to as ECM or Electronic Counter Measures. Here are the common ECM attacks used by both companies.

• Datastream updates. Datastream updates are newly developed software which is sent to unauthorized access cards. This software causes the access card to close its reception of available signals in the area. Reprogramming the access card can repair datastream update attacks.
• Tier wipes. Tier wipes are updates which are transmitted through satellite signals. These updates are sent to the receiver to reconfigure the software of any unauthorized access card. Tier wipes can be repaired or eliminated by reprogramming the unauthorized access card.
• Looping methods. There is a ROM program installed in each access card. By using the Looping method, the ROM program of the unauthorized access card can be disabled. This is done via instructions in the ROM program that are sent by the satellite signal. These instructions cause the unsubscribed access cards to enter an infinite loop, which disables them. The card cannot read or write any data or signal in a normal process while it is engaged in the infinite loop. A device known as the unlooper is used to repair looping attacks.
• EEPROM corruption. The most dangerous and irreparable form of Electronic Counter Measures is the EEPROM corruption. EEPROM are installed in every access cards, as this is the firmware which maintains all of the data operations of the card. With EEPROM corruption, instructions are sent through satellite signals. These instructions detect unsubscribed access cards. When an unsubscribed access card is detected, the instructions attack and damage the EEPROM of the access card. This form of ECM causes irreparable damage to the access card.