Has an app leaked your data before? You might have gotten off easily with no consequences, but the next time your data is leaked, it could cause serious issues for you. Unfortunately, where there are popular streaming apps, there is always the possibility of a data breach occurring.
Most streaming apps are easily targeted by cyber hackers because the security around them isn’t as secure as other apps, such as your banking app. The issue is, even if they only want to access free TV series and films, your sensitive details are still being exposed. Who knows what that person or the person who buys them could do with them.
So, we’re here to make you aware of your favourite streaming app data breaches, the consequences, and what you can do to protect yourself and if you have been affected. Let’s take a closer look…
3 TV App Data Breaches You Should Know About
- Netflix
In the first quarter of 2020, it was reported that Netflix was the most downloaded streaming app worldwide, so it isn’t a surprise that they are a target of hackers. Getting free access to Netflix without needing to foot the bill is always a tempting prospect, and that is exactly what many hackers have been doing.
Netflix let its users know that they had been subjected to hackers who had stolen email addresses and passwords in order to enter a person’s account or to sell their details on the dark web for money.
- Disney Plus
At the 2019 launch of the Disney Plus streaming app, thousands of users expressed their concerns that they had been hacked, with emails and passwords being changed. Despite these claims, Disney Plus responded to the claims saying, “Disney takes the privacy and security of our users’ data very seriously and there is no indication of a security breach on Disney+,”.
An investigation into the supposed hack found that on the dark web, Disney Plus accounts were being sold for a small amount each, as reported by the BBC.
- Hulu
Similar to Netflix and Disney Plus, Hulu has been a target of hackers who want to steal customers’ sensitive data, such as email addresses and passwords. This gives them access to these unsuspecting victims’ accounts.
In this case, it seems that, rather than using it for their own personal benefit, the hackers are selling them on the dark web for money. They usually obtain a couple of thousands at a time and sell them for a small price.
What Are the Consequences of a Data Breach?
Depending on the type of severity of the data breach, there can be severe consequences for those affected, particularly if the data is in the hands of a cybercriminal. For example, such consequences can consist of:
- Personal safety issues: if someone has details consisting of your address, telephone number, email, there is the chance that your safety could be at risk, or you could be faced with harassment.
- Stolen identity: if someone has access to your sensitive details, there is always the possibility that they will be able to steal your identity and apply for credit under your name, amongst other things.
- Reputation: there is always the off chance that they could have access to your passwords for social media accounts, such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, and act as if they are you. This could be by sending scam messages to friends and family who are under the impression that it is you.
- Financial loss: depending on how severe the breach is, it could cost you a substantial amount of money to resolve.
What Can You Do if You’ve Been Affected by a Data Breach?
Finding out that your details have been involved in a data breach can cause quite a panic, especially when you don’t exactly know for certain what has been exposed and who might have access to your details. There is always the chance that your data could be breached again in the future, especially if it has happened once due to weak passwords or using the same passwords for multiple platforms.
So, if you are aware of a breach that has affected you, there are certain things you can do, including:
- Find out what type of data was exposed.
- Change and strengthen your passwords and security Q&As.
- Make sure each of your passwords is unique and different from other ones you’re using.
- Accept any help from the breached company.
- Contact the right people e.g. your bank or credit lender.
- Monitor your accounts for any unusual activity.
- Protect yourself in case of potential future breaches.
Keep Your Data Safe from a Breach
Data breaches are inevitable. Unfortunately, most of us get caught in one at some point in our lives, and they can be scary, especially when you are not sure of the type of breach it is and the data that they’ve got their hands on.
If you have suffered from, or you are concerned that you have the potential to be involved in, a data breach, there are some solutions, as we’ve seen above. The question is, have you suffered a data breach and, if so, what did you do to combat it? Be sure to leave your experiences in the comments down below.
Please be advised that this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a trained data breach professional. Be sure to consult a data breach professional or solicitor if you’re seeking advice regarding a data breach. We are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.
