For the last few years, hackers have created a massive black market of hacked streaming service accounts that they sell online. Not only is Netflix one of the largest services, it is also one of the most popular targets of hacking.
What is happening? How do hackers get your password and username? Let’s take a look, and then we will explain how you can find out if this is happening to you.
What is happening?
Hackers have found it extremely profitable to sell stolen usernames and passwords for services like Netflix. With little risk, hackers can access thousands of accounts quickly and sell them for a few bucks each, which—when selling thousands—adds up.
How do hackers get your username and password?
Subscribers are often quick to blame the service for the hack, but typically the hack has nothing to do with breaking the security of Netflix.
There are a few ways that hackers get usernames and passwords. First, they break into smaller sites with weaker security, sites for which you happen to have used the same username and password as on Netflix. It is so important that you don’t use the same password on every site.
The other way hackers are getting your username and password is by sending fake emails asking you to sign into your Netflix account. These emails look official, but they are an attempt to hack your username and password.
To protect yourself, don’t use the same username and password for services you pay as you do on random, less secure, sites. Be careful of emails asking you to sign in to change your password.
How to know if you have been hacked?
Wondering if you are already a victim and someone is using your Netflix account? Netflix makes it easy to find out. Netflix tracks everyone who uses your account and where they are from. In your Netflix account, go into the Streaming Activity section under Account Settings. You will be able to see if people from other states are using your Netflix account.
If your account has been hacked, make sure to change your username and password, and consider using a different username and password for services you pay for.
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