Internet users are exposed to online threats from ransomware to phishing attacks. Some of these attacks have brought down big sites and have negatively affected many people and organizations worldwide.
Cyber threats cost large companies up to $5 million annually, while a single ransomware attack costs companies over $4.5 million on average. Moreover, these attacks are so prevalent that big companies are expected to spend over $172 billion this year. These astronomical amounts prove how serious cyber threat is to companies worldwide.
Cyber threats are targeting different companies, including those in the streaming industry. Hackers identify streaming platforms as potential targets due to the high number of subscribers.
Think about it, there are over 18 million Netflix subscribers in Canada, add the US into the mix, and you have 75.2 million subscribers in total. That means there are over 75 million accounts prone to cyber-attacks.
But there’s a solution to the threats posed by hackers and scammers. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is one of the solutions against data breaches and cyberattacks.
For example, while streaming Netflix on Android, you can use a VPN to hide your identity and protect online data. In addition, you can change your location to access the Netflix library of another country which comes in handy when traveling.
This means you won’t lose access to your favorite content when traveling abroad for a vacation or business trip. Here are some of the common cyberattacks targeting streaming platforms.
Keylogging
This type of attack is used successfully to steal streaming platform accounts from unsuspecting users. Keylogging is a cyberattack that records keystrokes or taps in your streaming device.
The malware infiltrates your device’s settings and installs a keylogging software that records everything you are typing. It’s a smart software that identifies your common keystrokes or taps to figure out your password instantly.
The only way to protect yourself against a keylogging attack is to enable your device’s firewalls and keep them updated. Also, updating your passwords and avoiding dangerous sites, usually pornographic or pirating, is a great strategy.
Phishing
This is the most common form of attack targeting streaming platform subscribers. The attackers are crafty while launching a phishing attack and will initially try to grab the users’ attention with an alarming message about the streaming platform.
These attackers usually take time to create an email that resembles the template of the streaming platform. The message can either be a payment issue, request a change in credentials, or include an incentive that might entice users to click the link.
However, the link is not the official link to the streaming platform and will direct the user to a fake page. So the first step is to avoid entering your credential on a false website. If you do, the hackers will have your data.
In this instance, the only thing to do is change your password and notify the streaming service about the attempted attack. Unfortunately, this sort of attack happened days after the launch of Disney Plus, where thousands of accounts were leaked and sold on the internet.
Also, check the grammar used in the email and avoid clicking any link if something seems off.
Credential Stuffing
This is one of the latest forms of online attacks. It’s a sophisticated type of attack because the attacker bases the success of the hack on probability and a few extra resources.
In this type of attack, the hacker will collect data about a potential target like the name, social security number, phone number, email, address, etc. Afterward, the attacker will use the tools at their disposal to guess the password.
At first, this type of attack seems far-fetched but has been used successfully on accounts with weak passwords.
Don’t downplay the importance of a strong password when creating a password for accessing your favorite streaming platform. Stay away from the obvious, i.e., birth dates, last names, etc. Instead, use strong passwords, including adding special characters that make it hard for attackers to choose the right password.
Why You Need a VPN
A VPN is an important tool for people who enjoy streaming when traveling. Using a VPN is a great way of protecting your data and online activity, especially when connected to public Wi-Fi, which is common during travel.
A good VPN should offer dedicated applications for different operating systems and support simultaneous connections from a single account. This way, you can connect all your devices at once regardless of the operating system.
Endnote
Installing and connecting to a VPN every time you connect to the internet during travel is the first step to protecting your streaming experience. A VPN will keep you anonymous online, offer safe browsing and streaming environment, and safeguard your device from potential threats.
