Netflix has changed the way we consume entertainment. Just a few short years ago, the idea that you can watch shows or movies without advertisements, pause them, and then continue watching them on a TV, laptop, tablet or even smartphone was a futuristic dream. But Netflix has made the future a reality over the past 5 years. Netflix (and those services like it) are now the preferred way for us to consume entertainment: on demand. But it has also opened up other issues, and that includes security risks. A wave of people have recently exposed the growing number of Netflix hacks. So, in this article, we share 10 ways to improve your Netflix account security.
Netflix Accounts Hacked
There has been an increasing trend recently where Netflix users have had their accounts hacked. Many have taken to Twitter to share their experiences of having usernames and email addresses stolen. This allowed hackers to access and change passwords preventing users from accessing their accounts.
Some hackers didn’t change passwords. Instead they altered the preferred account language, or added new profiles and upgraded the accounts.
So how do you improve your Netflix security to avoid the above frustrations, or even more sinister scenarios? Below we outline 10 ways to improve the security of your Netflix account
10 Ways to Improve the Security of Your Netflix Account
#1 Determine Whether or Not You Have Been Hacked
Firstly, you need to check for odd behaviour on your account. It’s important to identify suspicious account behaviour that may be caused by these type of hacking events. Here are some suggestions of what to look for.
See a new profile?
Has anyone that you share a password with (like family members) created a new Netflix profile? Go check with them. If they haven’t, you should delete the new profile. Then reset your account password.
To delete a Netflix profile, you will need to access Netflix on a web browser. Click on the profile icon and then Manage Profiles. Now choose the suspicious profile and click Delete.
See a new show under the “Continue Watching” section?
As you scroll down, if you see an unexpected new genre or show in your recommendations, “continue watching” or “because you watched” sections, it may mean that a hacker has accessed your account is enjoying your subscription! Or if you look in the search bar, it may show something unexpected that was previously searched for. Again, go check with those people that you share the account with. Maybe one of your children watched something out of the ordinary! But, if no one can confirm watching those shows, continue to review your account in more detail. You can, for instance see where viewers have been accessing and viewing from on your account. Log into your account on a web browser and select the Account page. Go to Settings and select Recent Devices Streaming Activity. This will show you when and how people have been streaming on your Netflix account.
See a change in your billing statement?
Most of us will have auto-renewal set on our Netflix billing. We may simply assume that the same correct amount is being charged every month, so you don’t scrutinize it. But, taking the time to check your billing statement may reveal whether your account has been hacked.
If you subscribe to the basic service at $15.50 / month but all of a sudden see $20.00 / month charged, you know someone has upgraded your account. If that wasn’t you, then make sure to check with those that have access to your account password, like your spouse perhaps. Did they upgrade? If not, then it warrants contacting Netflix to report the error in billing, letting them know it was not authorized and could be the result of a hack.
See suspicious email notifications from Netflix?
If you have email notifications turn on for your Netflix account, then you will be notified when there is a login attempt using your credentials from a new device. If you receive an email like this, and the new device is not recognized, the you should take quick action and contact Netflix reporting the event.
Just be sure that the email you receive is genuine and from Netflix. Don’t click on any links in the email. Hackers are smart, and as with all emails, you need to make sure that you aren’t falling for phishing scams. Instead, when receiving an email like this, reach out to Netflix separately.
#2 Change your Netflix Password Regularly
Yes, it can be a pain, but changing your password is crucial in maintaining online account security. And when you change your password, you should make sure it is strong. Netflix requires that your password is 8 characters or more. Make sure you add in a combination of characters too. Including uppercase and lowercase letters with numbers and special characters will improve the security of your password enormously.
Make sure you do not use the same password for Netflix and other accounts. It can be complicated managing all these passwords for so many accounts. That’s why we recommend using a reputable Password Manager to help manage, store and strong passwords for all your accounts.
There is an option to use a PIN to lock your Netflix profile. While this can act as another layer of security, it is easy to bypass if someone has access to the account password. However, the PIN lock feature can be a useful way to secure your Netflix profile from other users under the account that don’t have password access, like kids.
Under one account, you are able to set up to 5 different Netflix profiles. This way, users under the same account can each make their own profile and watch shows that suit their own taste. It also allows age restrictions using their profile parental controls to be placed on a Netflix profile assigned to a child. That means mature content won’t be viewable for them. Having the PIN lock activated on a profile means that only someone with the PIN can access the content and history under that Netflix profile.
#3 Add Your Phone Number for Netflix Recovery.
It’s possible to add a personal mobile number to your Netflix account. This will help you manage your account and retrieve the password if you forget it, or restore the account if it has been compromised.
In a web browser, go to your Account page. Then navigate to the Membership & Billing section. Select Add phone number or Change phone number. Then follow the instructions to confirm your identity, select your country, and enter your phone number.
#4 Take Screenshots of Suspicious Activity
If someone appears to be continuously using your account without permission, take some screenshots. Having documentation will help when you contact Netflix. Capture the IP address, device and location and store the images ready to share with Netflix support.
#5 Use a VPN
There’s several pieces of technology out there that you should consider investing in to secure your digital life. One of those is a VPN. A VPN will provide privacy as you use online services, including Netflix. It encrypts the traffic between your device and the internet so no one can trace your IP address (location) or tie data intercepted to you.
A VPN is particularly valuable when using Netflix on a public WiFi. It will help to secure your connection and make it private. This will keep prying eyes from accessing confidential information or spying on your online activity.
A VPN also has the advantage of allowing you to view content in other regions. Netflix has certain content reserved for certain regions. If you use a VPN, you can change the VPN server to a region of your choice to unlock Netflix shows available in that area.
#6 Sign Out When Not Using Devices
If you use a laptop, phone or tablet and it’s used on a public WiFi, it’s susceptible to hacking. Make sure you log out of your Netflix account after using it on a public WiFi.
#7 Sign Out of Devices Before You Dispose Of Them
If you are getting rid of a device, make sure you sign out of any accounts you use on the device, including Netflix. If you no longer have the device, you can log in from a web browser, access your Account page, and sign out of all the devices used. You will be required to sign back in when using all your current devices the next time.
#8 Keep Your Computer Safe
It’s always best practice to protect accounts by protecting your computers and devices. Installing antivirus software can ensure you stay ahead of any attacks on your device that would put your accounts, like Netflix, at risk.
If your computer suddenly feels slow and there’s a notable difference in performance, or you are interrupted by pop-up windows or advertising while streaming or your computer reboots, crashes or freezes unexpectedly, then it could be infected. You’ll need some anti-virus tools to scan your computer and remove the viruses, adware or malware.
There are many good antivirus and anti-malware software out there including those from Malwarebytes, Ad-Aware, Trend Micro, Sophos F-Secure, Norton
#9 Report any Suspicious Activity or Security Flaws
If you have encountered any suspicious activity on your Netflix account, get in touch with them and report it as soon as possible. Reporting it quickly can eliminate any further issues. It also helps the wider Netflix community by highlighting areas of vulnerabilities that can be fixed.
If you discover a security hole on a Netflix services or apps, notify Netflix as soon as possible through their bug bounty program. Avoid sharing the flaw with anyone else until until it’s been fixed. This again helps Netflix stay on top of vulnerabilities and secure all customer accounts.
#10 Don’t Fall For Sharing Schemes
Some folks might want to avoid paying the full subscription costs and reduce their expense by signing up to a Netflix sharing service. Ads for such things have appeared on Facebook in recent months. Basically, a Netflix subscription is offered to multiple people. Access is shared among those who sign up, along with the cost, and also the password. While this may save a few dollars, it has risks. Firstly, while you may have prepaid your portion, you could be blocked from access, losing your money. Also, others will be able to identify your personal viewing habits and preferences. And finally, the legality of such schemes is highly questionable! So, stay clear. Those offering such services may be involved in other “schemes”!
The Final Score
Netflix offers incredible convenience when it comes to entertainment. The attraction of being able to watch quality shows and movies on demand without annoying advertising is a winner. But, it also poses risks. As with all online services, your activity and privacy can be vulnerable. Avoid the frustration and pain of being hacked and having private information stolen by following the 10 ways to improve your Netflix security listed above.
Be smart and stay safe.