Latest data breaches: can Netflix be a threat to your safety?

Are you planning on laying back and enjoying your favorite TV show on Netflix the entire weekend? One can assume you’re choosing between sweet and salty popcorn rather than thinking whether the Netflix app is safe. Although Netflix products and services are reputable, you should be cautious about your security and take some actions yourself. Cybercriminals are always figuring out new ways to steal your information. This time, hackers have found how to reactivate canceled Netflix subscriptions.

Netflix app users getting charged again for cancelled plans

Netflix website users are most likely to get hacked, says Forbes’ cybersecurity journalist Kate O'Flaherty. The TV giants’ products and services have got a large customer database. So, cybercriminals have been stealing active accounts for quite some time. Unfortunately, they were able to find a security breach and take advantage of it. If you decide to re-activate the plan you canceled some time ago, it’s a click away. You won’t have to re-enter your credit card details or take other steps. So, if your account gets stolen, a criminal can reactivate it – you’ll get charged without your consent.

So, should you immediately you delete your inactive account on Netflix? Let’s not make any rash decisions. If you’re still using the service or you two are on a short break, you may take other security measures.

Take these cautionary steps

• Start by checking whether your credentials have been compromised online. You can use Have I Been Pwned? - it’s a website that allows checking if your personal data has been compromised online. You can also check what were the websites you’ve got pwned on. If your data has been compromised, you’ll find what are the security measures you should take within the next steps.
• Yes, you might be tired with everyone saying you should be using a strong password. But, there’s a serious reason behind it. A strong password should contain at least 8 characters, uppercase and lowercase letters, plus numbers. For an additional security layer, throw in some special characters, too.

As well, it’s recommended to protect yourself with different passwords on every platform you use. Imagine, a hacker steals your Gmail account. They’re likely to check if your credentials match on other platforms. If they do match, there’s a risk a hacker will steal all of your accounts, Netflix included.

• Do you use public WiFi at your local coffee shop or the airport? Be cautious that connecting to a shared network includes various risks. Hackers can steal your data, from your Netflix app credentials to credit card details. To enjoy public WiFi in safety, use a VPN. A VPN, short for Virtual Private Network, encrypts your online data, making it impossible for hackers to steal it.

So, if you wish to continue using Netflix products and services, do it safely. Besides using a strong and unique password, install a VPN app. Atlas VPN is a great option for those who want a reliable solution – it will protect you and your sensitive data on public networks for free.

Get Atlas VPN for public WiFi protection now!