Streaming your favorite movies and shows has become effortless in this hyper-connected world. From downloading a streaming app to creating an account and enjoying your favorite content, it only takes a few taps to stream anything you want.
That said, streaming content might seem a straightforward process. But behind the scenes, a complex system of content-delivery networks (CDNs) and applications works together to make it possible.
That said, while focusing only on convenience, most people completely overlook the security risks in modern streaming.
Cybercriminals can potentially hack your device, install malware, or remotely corrupt data via a streaming platform. And while it’s crucial to install secure streaming platforms, it’s equally important to understand the role of your home network.
It’s the first line of defense against such cyberthreats, and that’s what I’ll be explaining in this article. From explaining some hidden security risks to the role of your home network, this article will help you understand security risks in modern streaming.
So, let’s start:
How Modern Streaming Platforms Work
One of the most important elements in modern streaming is CDN or Content Delivery Network. Essentially, it’s a network of connected servers spread around the globe. Their function is to store the content, such as movies and shows, and deliver them to users’ devices upon request.
The goal of the CDN is to deliver the content as quickly and cheaply as possible. The applications or the streaming platforms, like Netflix and Amazon Prime, to name a few, are connected to CDNs.
So, when users tap on a movie or a show, the streaming platform requests the content from a nearby CDN and quickly delivers it to their screens.
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that modern streaming is efficient, affordable, and significantly improves the user experience. But with so many technologies involved, it opens different avenues for cybercriminals to attack from different fronts.
Why is Your Home Internet Connection Important?
The underlying technology behind streaming platforms ensures that users enjoy content without buffering. However, a home internet connection is equally important, as it is responsible for loading the content.
In addition, HD or live streaming consumes more bandwidth, and a poor connection might fail to keep up with the required speeds. That’s why most users opt for Xfinity Internet plans or similar high-speed options to enjoy buffer-free content without frustrating delays.
That said, the importance of a reliable home internet connection goes beyond just the speeds. Cybercriminals can take advantage of unsecured third-party streaming apps or CDNs with poor security measures to install malware or other harmful viruses on users’ devices.
That said, practical solutions are available that offer the speeds required for HD streaming and, at the same time, prioritize security. Advanced home network functionalities, such as the xFi Complete features, that are accessible to Xfinity internet users and include online security, wall-to-wall Wi-Fi coverage, and device-level controls, are important for safeguarding your home connection.
Common Vulnerabilities in Modern Streaming
Modern streaming might use sophisticated methods to deliver content right to our screens. But they’re still vulnerable to threats because cybercriminals can directly or indirectly infect streaming services in several ways.
Below, I will explain how some seemingly harmless aspects can compromise your device’s security via streaming services.
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Outdated Streaming Applications
Just like other applications, streaming apps also receive frequent software updates. From security patches to advanced protocols and new features, such updates ensure that apps work efficiently.
Now, delaying these updates can cause a couple of issues. Your streaming app might crash without any reason or become inefficient. Most importantly, its ability to repel threats might decrease. While making it susceptible to viruses, such an action can also put your device’s data at risk.
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Third-Party Applications
Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ are some of the most visited streaming platforms in the world. And since these applications have millions of subscribers, they can afford to spend on research and development to create strong security protocols.
On the other hand, local or regional streaming platforms might not have the funds to safeguard their services. Plus, they might also feature pirated movies and content on their platform. Generally, such platforms are more affordable than mainstream apps and might be preferred by users looking for cheaper services.
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Credential Theft and Account Takeovers
It is one of the most common types of threats, especially when it comes to subscription-based services. As streaming platforms also charge a subscription fee, cybercriminals actively target them and users who’ve created accounts on those platforms.
Their objective is to retrieve the usernames and passwords of users. And once cybercriminals steal such information, they sell it on the dark web or social media for a fraction of the monthly subscription.
This technique is such an effective tool for cybercriminals. They can financially hurt the streaming services by offering the same streaming services at more affordable rates.
Key Practices for Safe Streaming
Modern streaming platforms pose the above-mentioned threats. However, you can easily take care of these threats by taking some precautions, which I will explain below:
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Use a Secure Home Network
Your home internet connection is the first line of defense. Also, keep in mind that most cyberattacks are launched through the internet, and that’s why it is extremely important to have a safe connection for streaming.
Using a secure gateway that can automatically detect and deter malware or viruses, like the one included with the xFi Complete, is your best bet. Besides securing your connection, such tools can also offer blazing-fast speeds to level up your streaming experience.
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Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is another security measure you can take to have a safe streaming experience. 2FA acts as an additional security layer on top of your password.
In case cybercriminals steal your password or username, the 2FA acts as an unbreachable layer, as accessing your account without it might not be possible for them.
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Use a Virtual Private Network
A virtual private network (VPN) is an effective security tool against such threats. A VPN essentially changes your device’s IP address and assigns it a fake one. This way, it keeps your device safe from threats on the internet.
Additionally, a VPN also establishes a safe passage for your data via encryption. All the incoming and outgoing data from your device moves through this passage and then heads to its destination.
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Update Streaming Applications
Cybercriminals come up with unique strategies to attack users, and that’s why streaming applications update their security patches from time to time. Also, one of the goals is to strengthen the previous updates or fill in the existing loopholes that cybercriminals might exploit.
As a streaming platform user, it’s a safe practice to update your application as soon as you receive it. Besides keeping it efficient, regularly updating your application can also secure your device from malware and viruses that might try to steal your data via it.
Watching our favorite shows and movies is like a walk in the park with modern streaming platforms, but at the same time, we must not forget the security risks attached to it.
That said, preventive measures are available, such as using a secure internet connection, enabling 2FA, and more. So, while enjoying your favorite content, do take these measures for a safer streaming experience.
https://www.tothenew.com/insights/article/top-7-ott-app-security-risks-and-how-to-avoid-them
https://www.techvertu.co.uk/blog/cybersecurity/cybersecurity-for-streaming-enthusiasts
https://www.cdnetworks.com/blog/media-delivery/what-is-video-streaming-and-how-does-it-work/
https://www.vdocipher.com/blog/how-does-streaming-work/#4
https://www.cloudflare.com/en-gb/learning/cdn/what-is-a-cdn/
