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Streaming content has become a hobby for many. Today, with various streaming services, accessing any entertainment content has become effortless. You can rewatch classics, live events, or explore new shows. There is no end to options available.
However, the convenience of streaming isn’t without its set of risks. When you engage in this activity, you connect to the internet. Streaming services use network connections to give you your chosen content. However, without proper precautions, your connection can be exposed to cybercriminals. Once this is done, they can see your online activities. Worse, they can also steal your personal data. From phishing to account takeovers, various types of attacks can occur.
So, how can you enjoy streaming amid such security risks? Keep reading as we share 7 best cybersecurity practices to maintain your privacy.
Use a Trusted VPN
Streaming while traveling or over an insecure network exposes your data to cyberattacks. Weak networks, such as public Wi-Fi, aren’t encrypted, which exposes all your online activities to hackers and others with malicious motives. Even a home Wi-Fi network cannot be trusted as it still provides details related to your location.
Streaming on such networks is dangerous to your privacy. This is especially true if you input sensitive details. These include bank information or logins. Today, many people are opting for IPTV services to watch live TV. These services give access to a wide range of HD channels from every corner of the world.
However, streaming content through IPTV without protection makes your data visible to hackers. A VPN encrypts your internet connection. It shields your data from hackers. VPN hides your IP address so you can stream content anonymously. Not only that, but it also helps you easily unblock geo-restricted content. For the best protection, cybersecurity experts suggest using VPNs for IPTV with strong 256-bit AES encryption, a no-logs policy, and unlimited device protection. These recommended VPNs for IPTV can significantly enhance your streaming experience while ensuring your activities remain secure and anonymous.
Protect Your Streaming Accounts
Safeguarding your streaming accounts protects them from online attacks. Hackers use an attack mechanism called credential stuffing. Through it, they gain unauthorized access to user accounts on streaming platforms. They do this by using stolen credentials. These credentials are obtained from previous data breaches. This has serious consequences, as cybercriminals can sell your account details on the dark web. They can also use the information for identity theft.
To protect yourself, we recommend using strong passwords for every streaming account. Use a combination of numbers, special characters, and letters. Your password should be complex. As an added security measure, enable two-factor authentication. It makes it difficult for hackers to access your accounts because of a secondary form of verification. You should also regularly monitor your accounts. This will make you aware of any unauthorized login attempts. In case of an unfamiliar activity, change passwords immediately. Also, report the incident to the support team of the platform as soon as possible.
Only Use Secure Streaming Services
Whether you are a movie lover or a cord-cutter, it is essential to pick a secure streaming platform. Otherwise, the risk of data breach is high. Streaming on unsecured platforms will expose your personal information to cybercriminals and hackers.
Ideally, the platform should use encryption to safeguard your personal data. It makes it challenging for hackers to intercept your data. Secure streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu also have anti-malware protection in some form. This prevents malware from infecting your device. Finally, your chosen streaming platform should have clear and detailed privacy policies. These outline how it collects, uses, and shares your data.
Using a secure streaming service will give you peace of mind about protecting your personal information. They might have an expensive subscription, but paying the amount is nothing compared to the consequences of a data breach you can experience by streaming on unsecured and unreliable platforms.
Update Your Streaming Device
Your streaming device is, at the end of the day, software written by humans. The code it runs on is prone to human error or software vulnerabilities, which cybercriminals exploit to take advantage of security loopholes.
These attacks begin with users being tricked into clicking a malicious link. They can have several consequences, including malware being downloaded into the device or stolen login information. Updating your streaming device fixes most of these vulnerability problems. It upgrades the software to its latest version, which patches the security issues.
Device updates also ensure your software is compatible with the current security protocols. Thus, you benefit from better encryption and security measures. So, never forget or delay software updates on your streaming device.
Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi seems like a boon for those who want to stream while traveling or when outside. However, its convenience can often come at a price. These wireless hotspots require no authentication to create a network connection, which gives hackers unhindered access to unsecured devices on the same network.
The most common way hackers do this is by positioning themselves between the user and the connection point. So, while you may think that you are communicating with the public hotspot, in reality, you are sending your data to the cybercriminal who relays it. Public Wi-Fi is also used by hackers to steal your data, This is especially true if you allow file-sharing across networks.
We recommend avoiding using public Wi-Fi to stream. However, if you have to use it, do so with a VPN. Also, connect only to those networks provided by entities tied to a physical location. Avoid sharing sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card details, when connected to such networks. This will ensure your security and privacy while streaming on such networks.
Use Reliable Antivirus Software
An antivirus software can protect your data in case your streaming device is infected with malware. Good software deeply scans your device for known malware and viruses. It can detect and block malware from infecting the device. It can also delete the malicious program if it has already entered the system.
You can manually run scans or schedule automatic ones to allow the program to work on its own. Moreover, reputable antivirus software also gets updated on its own. So, you wouldn’t have to bother on that front. Thus, an antivirus prevents fraud and identity theft while streaming. If you happen to venture into insecure or unsafe websites to download or stream content, antivirus will warn you about it. Some of them can also scan the dark web and determine if your email address has been compromised. Thus, it is always best to use a good antivirus while streaming.
Download Apps from Trusted Sources
To stay safe while streaming, it is best to stick to prominent app stores. These include Google Play, Apple Store, and Samsung Galaxy. They provide access to millions of apps that are vetted for security. However, sometimes, streaming enthusiasts get tempted to download an app claiming to offer unique content through an unofficial platform. In most cases, these apps serve as vectors for cybercriminals to distribute malware.
Downloading applications from third-party sources is always fraught with risks. This is because these platforms do not have adequate security measures to verify the app’s safety. Worse, some of these unknown platforms are established by cybercriminals to distribute malware through app downloads. Once the malicious software gets inside your device, it can steal your sensitive information. To avoid experiencing the aftermath of such incidents, we recommend streaming enthusiasts use official stores to download apps.
Summing up
Streaming content can be a lot of fun. However, it is crucial to do so with vigilance. Following the privacy best practices above will help you protect your devices and data while streaming. Thus, you will be able to enjoy an exciting streaming experience without threatening your privacy and security.
