Internet Security giant Kaspasky has released a report stating that it has identified more than 7 million “compromised accounts” for the best streaming services which have been leaked online in 2024 alone.
The details were not leaked due to a violation in the security system of streaming services, but instead other malicious means, such as spyware browser extensions, which scratches the information typed in your computer and send it to scammers, or fake websites, which enter your account (known as Fishing).
Netflix accounts were still a majority of leaked information identified by Kasperski, totaling more than 7 million. However, prime videos, Disney+, HBO Max and Apple also leaked for TV+.
The highest number of leaked accounts appear to be Brazil, then Mexico, then for the people located in India – but from everywhere, accounts were leaked from UK to Canada to Australia.
What a big problem this is?
If your account has been dissolved, the good news is that it should not greatly threaten your financial information, with some notable exceptions.
Your billing information should be collected safely by all these streaming services, and if they log in maliciously, no one is seen to browse their profiles.
With a fall when a password is shared between the houses with the choice of Netflix and Disney+, a person using your login to see from another country can warn these streaming services about following their terms.
However, the big danger is whether passwords include them, providing them access to other services. For example, if your prime video login is similar to your Amazon Prime Login, that one account may mean that they can order things online from your account.
Similarly, if your apple tv+ login is similar to your overall Apple ID login, then a person can potentially spend money from the payment details related to your Apple ID.
However, both Amazon and Apple support two-factor authentication, meaning that someone should not have enough passwords alone to log in to your account-if you do not have it, then you should change it now.
However, in all cases, if your password for these services is what you use for every other login, then the danger is no one to log in in your Netflix – it is using the same details to log in to online shopping platforms, or other sites where they can do some financial damage.
This is why we always recommend using one of the best password managers, so you have a unique password for every service without the need to remember them all. This ability is manufactured in iPhones and Android phones all.
What should you do next?
If you are worried about your accounts for these services, then you should log into them and change your password immediately.
In general, activating a two-factor authentication on any service that supports it is a no-brainer. Netflix, in particular, does not offer this option, But its own page has how to protect your Netflix account,
If you are already not using one of the best password managers, now is the right time to start. Many of these services will tell you if any of your passwords appear in the leaked account information, so you can take action to change it immediately.
But also keep in mind how these details were leaked: not through the hack of services, but because people downloaded the dodi browser extensions and software, or got caught in the fishing plans, who asked them to enter their details in fake websites.
Being alert online is important as using technical options such as a password manager or two-factor authentication.
Kaspersky’s report highlighted three things to remember:
- “Always use a valid, paid membership when accessing streaming services and make sure that you are using the app from official marketplace or official websites.”
- “Always verify the authenticity of the websites before entering any personal information. To avoid the phishing sites, look or download the official pages to see and download the ingredients.”
- “Be cautious about the file extension you are downloading. Video files should not contain .exe or .MSI extension – these are usually associated with harmful programs.”
