Is there anything better for boredom than being able to turn your mobile device into an entertainment system that you can access anywhere? Netflix is a go-to service for millions of people who want to catch up on the latest movies and TV shows or appeal to their sense of nostalgia with oldies but goodies. But when a large number of users flock to a service, you can bet hackers follow. We spoke with tech experts who set the record straight on the risks you take when you use Netflix from your iPhone.
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Some of the fears that exist around Netflix are completely founded. “Netflix mobile application has been the latest victim of hackers targeting businesses with a large user base,” confirms Veronica Miller, Cybersecurity Expert at VPNoverview.
The problem began with hackers creating fake Netflix apps that are actually malware Trojans that sneak into phones, Miller says. “The app deletes itself from the screen when the user clicks on it. However, it continues to run in the background, sending data such as addresses, SMS, images, and wallet information to a remote server controlled by hackers.”
Here’s why you needn’t worry about these fake apps too much. Although the fake applications were available on Google Play and App Store for a few days, as soon as the Google bots discovered this malicious program, it was banned from the internet juggernaut app store and is now only accessible through the internet, Miller says.
So, does that mean you are completely out of the woods when it comes to being careful with your Netflix account on a mobile device? Yes and no.
“Logging into Netflix from your iPhone is no more or less secure than logging in on a web browser or any other device,” says Tech Expert Paul Bischoff, privacy advocate at Comparitech. “Doing so won't compromise your security unless your iPhone is already compromised elsewhere. For example, if you have password-stealing malware on your iPhone, it could steal your Netflix password. But this isn't a problem with Netflix security.”
Even though using Netflix on your phone is as safe as using it at home, there is one step you can take to ensure your information is as secure as possible: use a unique password for your Netflix account.
“Most compromised streaming accounts get hacked through credential stuffing,” Bischoff says. “Credential stuffing happens when an attacker uses a victim's stolen email and password combination on a bunch of other accounts. Because many people use the same password across multiple accounts, hackers use one set of credentials to attempt logins on streaming, shopping, banking, and social media accounts, among others. The original email and password might have come from a separate data breach or phishing attempt unrelated to Netflix. Netflix also allows you to set PIN codes for individual profiles. Users must enter a PIN code to use a given profile and watch videos. You can enable them through your account settings on a web browser.”
