In recent years, many people have actively ‘cut the cord.’ This is matched by an equal increase in streaming platforms. They offer a rich supply of content that serves the preferences of almost every individual. What started as a pastime during COVID-19 has now become everyone’s favorite activity.
But everything has two sides to it. Online streaming is also a preferred destination for cybercriminals to conduct their attacks. These services contain the personal data of millions of people or subscribers. All of them are vulnerable to advanced cyberattacks. Hackers target people when they transition from one streaming platform to another. Besides, activities like password sharing facilitate the distribution of malware.
One cannot deny the fact that although streaming services have made our lives more enjoyable, they have also increased the attack surface. So, what can you do about it? Education is key. Keep reading to find out about the most common security concerns and what you can do to prevent them.
Common Security Concerns With Streaming Services
Attackers target users of streaming devices to access their personal or financial information. Here are some of the attacks that cybercriminals commonly execute.
Identity Theft and Fraud
Today, people have accounts on more than one streaming service. However, the credentials of all accounts are the same. Using the same password for various services makes it easy for hackers to extract the user’s personal information, making them vulnerable to identity theft.
Phishing Attacks
A phishing attack scam is one in which the scammer creates a fake website that resembles an official streaming platform. Then, they send fake emails or messages to people pretending to be from an official streaming source, which they have replicated. These messages ask the user to share their personal information. Since the fake website and the email look so similar to the original one, people are tricked into giving their personal information, which the scammer exploits.
Scams Related to Free Streaming
Today, there are various platforms through which people can access their favorite content for free. Although they can conveniently watch the content without paying a penny, it is not legal. This means that the content is not copyrighted in their location.
These websites also open the door for a cybercriminal to infect your device with malware. They plant malicious links on these websites. When the user clicks on them, their device gets infected with malware. The platforms are not free from security issues as they are developed by anonymous third parties. So, it is extremely important for the user to be vigilant while using them.
How to Enjoy a Safe Streaming Experience?
With the rise in cyberattacks, staying safe online while streaming is crucial. Here are some of the best security practices to implement.
Use a VPN
VPN is a security tool that secures your internet connection and encrypts your data from your device, so your streaming activities remain private and safe. Cybersecurity professionals advise using VPN to protect security and privacy whenever you’re online. However, its use becomes critical in certain situations.
In recent years, an increasing number of people have started accessing entertainment through platforms that offer free access. Some of the most notable names in this category include media center software like Kodi and Stremio, websites like the Internet Archive, and streaming services like Pluto TV. It is essential to use them with the protection offered by a VPN.
In the case of Kodi, people stream content through unofficial third-party add-ons. They are developed and distributed by external entities. Kodi provides a wealth of entertainment content. However, streaming content through Kodi add-ons over a public Wi-Fi makes you vulnerable to online attacks. VPN reroutes your connection via a neutral server. Thus, it makes it impossible for third parties, ISPs, and even the government to see any of your personal data. However, it is essential to choose the right VPN. A VPN that’s compatible with Kodi offers fast and reliable connections and supports various devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and streaming devices like Amazon Fire Stick. It also has a large network of servers to bypass geo-restrictions and strong security and privacy features, such as encryption and a strict no-logs policy, to ensure safe streaming.
Similarly, a VPN is necessary when browsing through websites that offer non-copyright content. It helps keep your online activities secure from any malicious actors. Thus, you are protected from cyber threats.
Protect Your Streaming Accounts
It is critical to secure all your streaming accounts to avoid being the victim of the next cyber threat. You can take a few steps to increase their security. Begin by creating strong and tough-to-guess passwords for all your accounts. Then, two-factor authentication can be enabled as an additional layer of security. This will make it challenging for the hacker to gain unauthorized access to your account. Also, be sure to update your existing account passwords regularly.
You must also keep an eye on your account activity. Many streaming services have features through which you can review recent logins and connected devices. If you notice that there has been an unknown login attempt, become extremely alert. First, change your password. Then report this incident to the support staff of the streaming service.
Do Not Share the Passwords of Your Streaming Account
Password sharing is a common practice among streaming enthusiasts. However, it is not very safe from the security point of view. When you share your password with another person, you do not know how they will use it. They might share it with someone else. This person may, in turn, share the credentials with another person.
Did you know that almost half (46%) of the subscribers have their passwords shared far and wide without having even a single clue? Not only that but there is also another risk. Somewhere down the line, someone can change your password. If you’ve shared it with multiple people, chances are, you won’t get to know the new credentials and will lose access to your account. Password sharing also increases the likelihood of your credentials coming into the hands of a malicious actor. So, it is best to put a halt to this practice.
Final Words
Streaming services have made entertainment much more accessible. But it’s essential to take your cybersecurity seriously when using them. With every passing year, cybercriminals become more sophisticated in their attack schemes. A slight mistake from your end can make you become their victim. Use the techniques above to make streaming content enjoyable yet highly secure.
