Viewing DISH Network satellite programming requires a contracted monthly service plan, a satellite dish and a receiver box with an inserted Smart Card. With new service, a DISH specialist will typically set up your system, though you may be able to install some of the equipment yourself. As a result, you might be concerned that the straightforward installation - as well as simple-to-use mobile and browser access to your programming - might give an unauthorized neighbor easy access to your DISH Network signal.

Satellite Theft

Until DISH introduced piracy-blocking Smart Card technology to customers in 2008, satellite signal theft was a frequent - and expensive - threat. Signal piracy or theft typically used the same technology that enabled free-to-air satellite signals, which were created and accessed free for legal ethnic and religious programming. Thieves could tamper with satellite equipment, purchase boxes on the black market that were already modified or, worse, simply go online and hack a signal to use with legally purchased equipment.

Smart Card Technology

The DISH Network Smart Card was introduced in 2008 to combat signal theft. It looks like a credit card and is inserted into your DISH receiver, but instead of a magnetic strip, the technology uses a microprocessor - sandwiched into the plastic of the card itself - as a key that unlocks the encrypted programming signal and allows your satellite dish to communicate with DISH for programming. The Smart Card also keeps track of any purchases you make with your DISH service, such as pay-per-view programming or channel upgrades.

What the Smart Card Protects

Without a legitimate Smart Card transmitting an identification number and security data to DISH Network from your receiver, programming will not be activated. Furthermore, the Smart Card will only work in the DISH Network receiver to which is was originally assigned by DISH Network, so if your card has been stolen you need not fear your signal will also be stolen. If your card or receiver has been stolen, or in the unlikely event you receive an error on your television screen of an unauthorized user or Smart Card, call DISH immediately to report possible satellite signal theft.