How Do Netflix And Other OTT's Take Care Of Cyber Security?

The future is here with streaming apps if they were the future a couple of years ago and among the growing popularity of over-the-top (OTT) streaming apps - both video and audio - that cater to viewers' growing entertainment demands as social isolation continues to be the new normal amidst work-at-home and social distancing measures. 

Viewers are increasingly turning to OTT apps like Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime to access new content  and with streaming applications on the rise, OTT services are ripe targets for stored personal information such as credit card numbers and passwords.

In reality, users often share passwords on the fly or use the same passwords across multiple free or premium streaming subscriptions. These mistakes can be easily monetized by cyber criminals who sell access data to facilitate data theft and identity theft. Despite all the privacy issues associated with digital identity theft, how do OTT platforms maintain data security?     

There Are Five Things Video Streaming Companies Do To Ensure Users' Experience Is Secure.

In the ecosystem of the digital world, identity is the most important element. Customers need to have access to streaming applications that are sensitive about the restrictions they impose. Increasing customer security is achieved in a variety of ways:

1. Ensuring the Safety of Customer Data.

Any industry faces a challenge when it comes to safeguarding customer data online. The growing database becomes more vulnerable to attacks as consumers subscribe and your community grows. Any brand's reputation may suffer a significant blow if they fail to prioritise security and privacy. In turn, investing in the right identity management solution and practicing the right cyber security measures will lead to a competitive edge.

2. Investing in Security Solutions that use Low-Fiction.

Consider password-less authentication through the use of OTPs, magic links, or biometrics to verify an individual's identity in a safer, efficient way. Users can enjoy a secure experience without having to worry about their data being compromised - that's a win-win for both parties.

3. Making the User Experience a Priority.    

Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney +, and other streaming services do this already. Their home screen offers curated recommendations according to the genres viewers binge-watch most. The implementation of AI in the seamless customer experience is here to the rescue. The UX should complement retention strategies, onboarding, and secure payments.

The fact that hackers can create faulty algorithms and trick consumers into paying on different sites is also something we should pay attention to. On your OTT platform, be sure your authentication system is reliable.

4. Stay away from Automated Targeted Campaigns.    

Botnets are mostly responsible for credential stuffing attacks. The most common attack on consumer data is the account takeover of those accounts that are susceptible to botnets. It can be extremely helpful to reduce such risks by using multi-factor authentication. First, users should verify that a web browser is being used by an actual human. A bot can usually be distinguished from a human-based on their clicking pattern or mouse movement during Recaptcha evaluation.

5. Anti-Piracy Protection.

Streaming content for free is one of the appealing aspects of pirate websites in the industry. Having no monthly fees makes it more appealing than paying for a premium streaming service and remaining stuck with thumbnails until you renew. Pirate sites are also popular among general users because they offer benefits such as the ability to watch TV live. To make hacking even easier, they resemble popular streaming apps. Make sure your customers can distinguish between your product and a pirated version by educating them about hacking techniques.

Conclusion   

Data security is still a critical concern. Both Video and audio streaming are undergoing a transformation driven by frictionless user experiences and optimal security. Multi-factor authentication or unique password creation is not favoured by many people because they think it adds to the hassle. It's important to strike a balance between the two- customer experience and customer data security.

Neha Singh is the Founder & CEO of online cyber security training company Securium Solutions 

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