Over 7 million accounts associated with streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and others were compromised in 2024, warns cyber security specialists.
Over 7 million accounts associated with streaming platforms have been compromised. Photo shutterstock
For millions of users in the Z generation, these platforms are a central element in the way they socialize and connect to the global culture.
Streaming platforms have become true digital shelters for generation Z. According to recent studies, young Z-young people do not only invest in streaming services than any other generation, but they are also active in online fan communities-sharing clips, memes and theories on social networks: episodes become memes, replicas, and the characters become tweet. debates and trends on Tiktok.
However, this hyperconecate behavior comes with hidden risks. Devices used to track your favorite series can become access points for cyber attackers, through malware infections. These threats are often hidden in unofficial discharges, pirated content, browser extensions or compromised applications, collectively collecting authentication data, sessions or other personal data.
The Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence team analyzed the compromised authentication data associated with the largest streaming platforms (Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+ and Max) and discovered 7,035,236 accounts exhibited in 2024. These data were not stolen directly from platforms, but were collected in better campaign of data theft.
Netflix – a main target for cyber criminals
It is not a surprise that Netflix remains the defining brand among the Z generation. It is a leader both in popularity and as a level of exposure, with 5,632,694 compromised accounts detected in 2024. Most compromised accounts have been identified in Brazil, followed by Mexico and India.
Distribution of Netflix accounts compromised by malware in countries with most subscribers
Disney+
Kaspersky identified 680,850 accounts compromised in online data sets. And this time, Brazil was noted with the highest number of affected accounts, followed by Mexico and Germany.
Distribution of Disney+ Malware Compromed Accounts in countries with most subscribers
Amazon Prime Video
Although it has registered a lower volume, with 1,607 compromised accounts, Amazon Prime Video still plays a significant role, especially among Z -generation users, looking for content with a more nonconformist or provocative approach. In 2024, Mexico, Brazil and France were the countries with the most video accounts exhibited in security breaches.
Distribution of Amazon Prime Prime Compromed Malware in countries with most subscribers
Once a device is infected, attackers do not stop at the streaming application. Malware collects confidential information-authentication data, cookies, bank card information-which will later be sold or distributed on underground forums. Sometimes attackers provide this data for free to build a reputation in criminal communities. These forums are active, dynamic and accessible to a wide range of malicious actors. What begins with a password stolen by Netflix can quickly turn into an extended digital intrusion, identity theft or financial fraud-especially if the same authentication data is used for other services.
As streaming platforms, fandom culture and social networks become essential parts of the daily life of generation, cyber threats adapt to exactly those spaces where young people trust.
Tips to watch your favorite serials safe
To watch your favorite series safe, cyber security specialists recommend:
• Change the passwords of the potentially compromised accounts and check if there are suspicious activities associated with them.
• Use only legitimate and paid subscriptions to access streaming platforms and download applications from official stores or from official sites.
• Check the authenticity of sites before entering personal data. Stay on official and trusted pages, check your URLs and name spelling to avoid phishing sites.
• Pay attention to unloaded file extensions. Video files should not have extensions such as .exa or .ms – these are usually associated with dangerous programs.
• Use a reliable security solution to detect malware that can compromise your data.
