While we love watching movies and TV series on streaming services, there is danger just behind the screen. Don’t be low-hanging fruit that hackers profit from — follow these simple steps and do more to keep your premium streaming services safe.
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5. Always use different passwords
If you’re using the same password on two or more services, you’re making it easier to get hacked. That’s especially true if you’ve been using the same email and password for years.
The security on Amazon or Facebook is strong, but still hackable. Yet, think back to all those free trials, stores, and competition services you’ve signed up for using the same email and password combination. The security on smaller sites is often weaker and can be easy pickings for a hacker.
Every location you use an important email and password increases your future chance of being hacked. It’s hard to have countless email addresses, but it’s pretty simple to have lots of passwords. Don’t end up with an account on the black market; change your password now.
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4. Never use links in emails to log in
Don’t get tricked by fake emails from official-looking sources. Remember to always check the sender’s email address before clicking any links. Normally, you can tell it’s unofficial by the ridiculous-looking sender’s email address. Make sure it’s @Netflix.com or @Hulu.com et al. If it’s not official-looking, mark it as junk and delete it.
If you accidentally click a link before checking the sender’s email address, don’t worry, just close the browser. Always try to remember: never ever follow a link asking you to log in from an email. It’s the same as if someone phones and asks you to “prove it’s you.” Hang up. All of this is phishing for your information. Stay safe and only log in via official channels.
3. Regularly check the devices using your account
After reading this, log in to your premium streaming services and look for the option to “Manage Devices.” This option is available on Amazon, Hulu, and most other services. It’s used to limit the number of devices you have hooked up to a single account. However, you can use it to identify if there are any strange devices connected.
If you do see any devices that shouldn’t be connected, remove them immediately. You should then change your password. If you’re using a service where you cannot manage devices, change your password address ASAP, and don’t risk your account being on the black market.
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2. Don’t Share Passwords
While sharing your password with your friend so they can catch up on a show may seem nice, you might be unknowingly weakening your protection against hackers. The problem with sharing a password is if that person will share it with others, or click on those phishing emails or websites.
The best way to keep your streaming services safe is by protecting your password, even if it’s your friend. Instead of sharing a password, you could hold a movie/binge watch one night and keep your password on your devices and out of others.
1. Keep Your Device Security Up-to-Date
This one may seem a little silly, but a compromised device can lead to a host of problems. Always be aware of phishing or phony accounts, since many hackers will use a mundane way to get into your phone or laptop. Once they do that, getting to your streaming accounts and other personal information is quite easy.
You can combat this by installing a trusted and verified security system on your device, or constantly making sure all programs are up-to-date and not prone to getting hacked. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
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What is the Most Secure Streaming Service?
While all streaming services are made with some layer of protection, there are some streaming services that are better with security. Out of all the streaming services, Netflix provides the most robust security features, including 256-bit SSL encryption and anti-malware protection.
Hulu and Amazon Prime also rank high in security, providing anti-malware protection and data encryption to keep your personal information safe.
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There is no way to be 100% hacker-proof, but by following these tips, you can keep your streaming account safer and not an easy target. These steps are also valid for other streaming services like Spotify et al. Be safe online and stream happily.