With more than 148 million subscribers globally, Netflix is one of the most popular streaming services. Like anything else, where people and money are, criminals are as well. Hacking into your Netflix account allows thieves access to your credentials and personal information in which much more damage can be done. Below are three of the more popular ways hackers are gaining access to our Netflix account.
Well-Executed Phishing Campaigns
Netflix is one of the most spoofed brands in the world for phishing attacks. These fake emails, which spoof a brand and its visual identity, are designed to invite the recipient to take action: to click on a link releasing malware, to pay an invoice online, enter account credentials, or enter bank account information.
Not all pages have the same purpose. Some spoof the account creation and payment page, while others spoof the account login page.
Hackers also create email campaigns using Netflix’s own model to promote the release of the new season of a popular show. It’s also common for Netflix users to receive an email asking them to reactivate their account or update their payment details. Cybercriminals often include legitimate Netflix links in an attempt to bypass both email security filters and the email recipient.
Cellphone Provider Accounts
Another way to hack Netflix is to create an account through a phone service provider. Few people know this, but it is now possible to create an account through your cell phone service provider. In the “subscription options”, it’s possible to find a “partner,” including third-party on-demand services.
By hacking into such an account, you can subscribe to a third-party account. This scam really well because a few people notice a small increase in their monthly cellular bill, especially if you have your cell phone service bundled with your home internet or TV service.
Remember to regularly inspect your monthly invoices for any anomalies.
Open accounts in hotels and vacation rentals
Most modern TVs have all the major video-on-demand services integrated in. It’s not uncommon to find this type of TV in a hotel or an Airbnb rental. A common mistake is to forget to disconnect your account before leaving the location. It’s often possible to find forgotten accounts on this type of equipment, which gives the hackers access to the unsuspecting user’s email and phone number.
So before leaving, it’s critical to disconnect your account from the TV set.
When an account is hacked, you should contact Netflix. If you can still access the account, in Settings, the option “Disconnect all devices” lets you disconnect all devices currently using the account. Then simply change the password. Of course, check your payment statements to make sure there are no unwanted charges. Additionally, you should change your passwords for all other online accounts.
Finally, Netflix provides tips for users who receive suspicious emails regarding their service here.
As our Chief Strategy Officer, Chris Roberts is committed to helping each and every one of our clients attain a higher standard of IT efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and optimization. He focuses on research and development in an effort to identify and harness the best IT practices for businesses.
