Watching this content on your mobile? Your financial credits can be stolen; here is how to stay safe

Streaming platforms saw a sudden increase in number of users as a nationwide lockdown was imposed by the Indian government due to Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, attempts are being made by fraudsters to target these platforms and steal financial data of users. A recent report by Kaspersky suggested that more than 5000 of its users were exposed to various threats between January 2019 and April 8, 2020, while trying to access a specific streaming platform via the unofficial files that used its name.  

These platforms are increasingly exploited by cybercriminals as a way to launch various attacks. These range from phishing attacks aimed at collecting account credentials and financial information to using the names of these platforms and their shows as a lure to trick users into downloading various threats, including adware and malware. 

To stay safe from various threats when watching streaming platforms or their original content, Kaspersky experts recommend: 

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-Whenever possible, only access streaming platforms via your own, paid subscription on the official website or app from official marketplaces 

-Do not download any unofficial versions or modifications of these platforms’ applications 

-Use different, strong passwords for each of your accounts 

-Using a reliable security solution that delivers advanced protection on all your devices  

“The so-called ‘streaming wars’ have only just begun, and as the popularity of these platforms grows, so too will the attention they receive from malicious users. This is particularly true since many of the platforms are experiencing unprecedented growth as a result of stay-at-home orders and employees being forced to work from home. While users may be tempted to search for alternative methods of watching their favorite content online rather than paying for another subscription, to stay safe, the best option is always to access the platforms and their shows via official sources,” comments Anton Ivanov, malware analyst, Kaspersky.