To sign up for our daily email newsletter, CLICK HERE
Want to uncover the dark side of streaming services? Learn about the privacy concerns and data security risks associated with popular streaming platforms.
In this blog, we’ll cover how your info is collected and shared without your consent. You’ll learn how to protect your privacy while watching shows. Discover user-friendly tools to safeguard your personal info.
Welcome to the digital era, where streaming platforms have revolutionized the way entertainment is consumed. These OTT platforms offer a wide variety of content options, including classical and contemporary movies, critically acclaimed TV shows, trending music, and live sports events, all backed by unmatched convenience and diversity.
However, there is a hidden reality to streaming that often goes unnoticed. In this article, we will discuss privacy concerns and data security that arise with using streaming services and briefly touch base concerning the recent cyberattack on Dish and Sling TV.
Let’s dive into the risks of streaming services collecting, sharing, and misusing personal information. So grab your favorite munchies, and come along with us as we explore the risks that come with streaming.
The Dark Side of Streaming: Privacy Concerns and Data Security
Data Collection: Who’s Watching You?
Streaming platforms collect a large amount of user data to offer personalized recommendations and targeted advertisements. However, there are some concerning facts to consider:
Metadata Mining: When you use streaming services, they gather your viewing and search history, and device information. This data is then analyzed to determine your viewing preferences, habits, and interests.
Third-Party Tracking: Most streaming platforms employ third-party tracking mechanisms to track your online activities on different websites. This helps the platforms create personalized user profiles, and push specifically targeted advertisements.
Location Tracking: Some streaming apps request permission to access your device’s location data, which can raise concerns about possible misuse or unauthorized access to your location.
Data Sharing: The Silent Partners
It’s important to note that many streaming platforms share user data with third parties, such as advertisers and data brokers. Take into account the following concerns:
Advertising Partnerships: Streaming platforms work with advertisers to provide personalized ads based on your viewing history, which requires sharing user data such as demographics and preferences.
Data Brokers: Your streaming data could also be sold to data brokers, who gather and analyze vast datasets for marketing and research purposes.
Privacy Policies: The Devil in the Details
Streaming services have privacy policies, but they can be hard to understand because they use complicated legal terms. These policies are supposed to protect your privacy. The major concerns faced would be:
Data Retention: It’s crucial to ask privacy policy-related questions like “How long will the streaming service keep my data?” and, “Will it be deleted after a specific time or stored forever?”. If your data is indefinitely stored with a streaming platform, it can be used for illegitimate means.
Opt-Out Options: You must also consider dilemmas such as, “Do you have control over the data collected about you?” and, “Can you easily opt out of data tracking and targeted advertising?”. Individuals must have the option to opt out of data collection, tracking and targeted advertising.
Data Breaches: Vulnerabilities in the System
Just like any other system, even streaming services are vulnerable to data breaches. Here’s why you should be vigilant:
Hacking Risks: For hackers, streaming platforms serve as prime hunting grounds due to the abundance of user data they hold, encompassing personal information and sensitive payment credentials.
Insider Threats: Streaming companies’ staff may access and misuse personal user data without authorization, putting users’ private data at risk. Streaming platforms must establish preventative measures to protect user privacy and ensure the confidentiality of its users’ personal data.
In a notable incident in mid-March 2023, hackers targeted DISH Network, a TV and mobile phone provider, causing disruptions to their computer systems. Personal information of DISH, Sling TV, and Boost Mobile customers may have been stolen.
Despite restoration efforts, customers still faced issues accessing streaming services, paying bills, and receiving customer support. The company has been working non-stop to assist affected customers and resolve the aftermath of the cyberattack.
The Dark Side of Streaming: Protecting Your Privacy and Security
However, there are always preemptive steps that you can take to protect your privacy and secure your personal data. Uncover them below:
Use a VPN
Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), you can securely stream content. It encrypts your online traffic and routes it through a remote server, making it difficult for others to track your internet activities.
You can also get access to streaming services that may be unavailable in your location. It’s important to choose a reputable VPN provider that offers fast speeds, reliable performance, and a strict no-logs policy.
Be Cautious When Sharing Personal Information
When you register for a streaming service, it’s important to be mindful of the personal information you provide.
Provide only the necessary information to create an account and avoid sharing sensitive details like your social security number or credit card information unless it’s absolutely necessary. This will help ensure the security of your personal data.
Keep Your Devices Updated
Cybercriminals frequently exploit security vulnerabilities present in software and hardware to gain unauthorized access to individuals’ personal data.
Keep your streaming devices (like Roku or Fire Stick) updated with the necessary security patches to protect your privacy and enhance your security.
Use Two-Factor Authentication
Enabling two-factor authentication is a great way to boost your streaming account security. This process involves providing additional information, such as a phone code, alongside your password to access your account.
With this added layer of security, it will be much harder for hackers to access your account, even if they have your password. Trusted VPN providers typically include two-factor authentication as part of their offered features.
Monitor Your Accounts
Always monitor your streaming accounts regularly for any suspicious activity. Check your viewing history for unauthorized purchases or any noticeable changes.
If you notice anything unusual, change your password immediately and contact the streaming service’s support team for further assistance.
Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi
Using public Wi-Fi networks is risky because hackers can intercept sensitive data like usernames, passwords, and personal information.
For privacy and security, avoid using public Wi-Fi for streaming content. Instead, use a secure, private internet connection like your home or friend’s Wi-Fi or a mobile hotspot.
Use Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware Software
Download and install reliable anti-virus and anti-malware software and ensure they’re always up-to-date. This will ensure maximum security against cyber attacks and provide stress-free browsing. Additionally, staying informed about the latest threat intelligence best practices and implementing them in your cybersecurity strategy is crucial for maintaining a strong defense against evolving cyber threats.
Be Aware of Scams
It’s common for hackers to use scams to get hold of your personal information. If necessary, trusted platforms will always provide you a secure link through a registered and authentic email.
So, you should be careful of suspicious messages and emails requesting your data or asking you to click on a link. These could be phishing attempts. Delete any suspicious messages and contact the streaming service’s support team.
Conclusion
The development of different streaming technologies also gives rise to external threats and security risks from hackers, scammers, and data miners.
While the convenience and variety they offer are undeniable, all these threats put your personal data at a risk of being compromised. Users must take proactive measures to protect their personal information.
Are you having trouble accessing Sling TV in Canada? Uncover how to watch Sling TV in Canada with our easy guide. All you’ll need is a reputable VPN provider to safeguard your personal data and remove geo-restrictions.
Our short blog explores the dark side of streaming, along with methods to safeguard the privacy and security of your personal data.
