How to Beat Streaming Service Hackers

How to Beat Streaming Service Hackers

June 8, 2020

Streaming accounts offer a wealth of entertainment, but things get a bit less entertaining when your account information is stolen. Streaming service accounts are stolen and sold on the dark web every day. While you can't prevent a data breach, you can avoid certain types of account hacking by incorporating a few, simple steps that will dramatically improve your account security. This week, we'll offer some eye-opening stats on streaming service security threats, and how you can more effectively secure your account.

Streamer's Spotlight: How to Properly Secure Your Streaming Accounts

Disney+ launched in late 2019 to much fanfare. But its slow international roll-out led to an almost immediate consequence: hacked accounts. Thousands of accounts were available for free or for sale by hackers on various forums and dark web marketplaces

. 

And before you ask: No. Disney didn't have a data breach. Hackers were stealing these accounts using already-leaked username and password combinations. Hackers just loaded up their credential stuffing tools and went to town. 

This sort of issue is certainly preventable. Here are a few tips to make sure you're not a victim of account hacking.

Use a Password Manager

Almost all of us have likely used the same email and password combination across multiple sites. It's a bad habit, but it's understandable. Many sites require different forms of letter, number, and symbol combinations. Remembering 20 to 30 of those could be impossible. 

However, if you use a password manager, it becomes much easier to use any number of different passwords; even unique passwords on every site you make an account for.

If you use Android or Apple devices, you should already have access to those services' built-in password managers. All you'll need to do is start creating unique passwords for each site. However, you can also use separate password manager apps, like LastPass or 1Password. 

Use Easier-to-Remember Passphrases

For years, we've been told to use crazy password combinations that involve letters, numbers, and symbols, like Fl1Xed!@$#@. Recent research and even advisories from the Federal Bureau of Investigation suggest that these 

 password structures are certainly effective, but not as effective as

made up of a string or simple words. 

The real benefit of passphrases is that they're much easier to remember. That makes it more inviting to use unique passwords on different sites, instead of just one password that might be a string of nonsense that's more remember. 

Streaming Services With 2FA or MFA

Two-factor authentication (2FA) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) are security policies employed by websites and apps that require a secondary for identity authentication. Quite often, you'll find sites with 2FA will send you a text message code to verify that you're the proper account owner. Other 2FA or MFA services are available, as well, including emailed codes, and apps that require no internet or phone connection for authentication, like Google Authenticator. 

Few streaming services currently employ 2FA. Philo, however, is one service that does and has been since it first launched in 2018. If you're extremely security conscious, we recommend

as your live TV streaming service. 

This Week's Streaming Guide

1. Reality TV Meets Zombies in Netflix's 'Reality Z'

Things get just a bit too real in this new Netflix zombie thriller, available to stream this Wednesday. -

2. Creepy Gothic Fantasy Comes to Netflix with 'Curon'

An Italian mother returns to her home town only to discover a dark secret about her past. Stream the new series starting Wednesday. -

3. Disney's 'Artemis Fowl' Hits Disney+

In the latest big-budget film to hit streaming services instead of theaters because of the coronavirus, Disney's 'Artemis Fowl', based on the fantasy novels, will be available for streaming this Friday. -

4. PBS NewsHour Explores Tensions Between Police and Communities

In its next episode, 'America in Black and Blue', PBS explores the on-going problems that face police forces and the communities they serve. -

News and Industry Developments

1. Study: Over Half of Sports Fans Pirate Games

A recent study found that over half of sports fans pirate games at least once a month, indicating a greater need for lower-cost or more simplified streaming access. -

2. 'Space Force' Is a Hit at Netflix

The new comedy starring Steve Carell (of

The Office

fame) sits at the #1 spot for Netflix. -

3. Disney Now Has a Disney+ Fan Community...That's Invite-Only

The company launched a fan community for Disney+ super fans, though it's unclear what you need to do to get invited. -

4. NBCUniversal's Peacock Service Offering Huge Discount

As a promotion for its launch, NBC is offering 40% off a yearly subscription for early subscribers. -

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