The main issue here seems to be the millions of leaked email and password combos. Just this week passwords and usernames for over 2 million users from two websites were posted online. Hackers use bots to test usernames on services like Disney+ and when they find one that works, they sell it online often to overseas customers where Disney+, for example, is not available except by VPN and a US bank account.
So, what can you do to protect yourself? Here are a few tips:
Use Different Passwords
The first thing you may want to do is have different passwords for different accounts. You can always use a password manager to help manage these passwords.
If you don’t want to use a password manager, consider having different levels of passwords for different services. For example, the password on your bank account should never be used on any other service. You should also consider using a different password for paid services like Disney+ versus some random password you use to join a giveaway or online forum.
If your passwords are not the same you won’t fall victim to data breaches from a website you joined three years ago just so you can leave a comment.
Use Two-Factor Authentication
Sadly, many streaming services don’t offer two-factor authentication, but you should at a minim have your bank or social media accounts text you a code when you try to log in on a new device. This will help you lock out hackers who may have gotten access to your username and password.
It may seem a bit annoying having to wait for a text to come in but having two factor will go a long way in protecting your account from being hacked.
Be Careful of Emails
This one is not new. Be careful of any email asking you to update your account or billing. If you didn’t ask for the email, don’t click any links in it. Even if it looks official, you should manually go to the service and log in by typing the domain name into your browser—don’t click the links.
Often links can look official but lead you to a completely different website.
As cord cutting becomes more popular people looking to make a quick buck will continue to target it more often. So, remember to be careful what passwords you use and the emails you get.
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