Netflix is one of the most popular streaming services, with millions of users worldwide. But with its growing popularity comes the risk of cyber-attacks. Many people don’t realize that their Netflix account can be vulnerable to hacking until it’s too late.
In this article, we will discuss what to do if your Netflix account is hacked and how to prevent it from happening again.
What Are The Risks of a Hacked Netflix Account?
If your Netflix account is hacked, there are several risks associated with it. Most of these attacks are done through phishing emails or email account hacks, which are both equally dangerous.
While hackers cannot view your payment information, they can still lock you out of your account by changing your email and password. This is the main thing hackers do when they gain access to your account, so if you notice any strange activity on your account, it’s important to take action right away.
The hacker can use your account to watch content that you’re not interested in, which could impact your Netflix recommendations. They can also change your account settings, which can be inconvenient for you.
Was Your Netflix Account Hacked?
If you suspect your Netflix account was hacked, there are several steps you can take to confirm it. First, check your device streaming activity by going to your account settings and clicking on “recent device streaming activity.”
This will give you a breakdown of devices that have recently used your account. If you see a device that you don’t recognize, your account may have been hacked.
Another way to check if your account was hacked is by looking at your watch history. If you notice any content that you didn’t watch, it could indicate that someone else is using your account.
What To Do If Your Netflix Account Is Hacked
If you confirm that your Netflix account was hacked, there are several steps you should take immediately to secure your account. It’s important to act quickly when you notice something wrong to minimize the damage.
Sign Out of All Devices
When you sign out all devices from your account settings, you are effectively removing unauthorized users from your account. This will ensure that the hacker can no longer use your account to watch content, and you can regain control of your account.
To do this, log in to your Netflix account and click on the “Account” option from the drop-down menu on the top right corner of the screen. Scroll down to the “Settings” section and click on “Sign out of all devices.” This will log you out of all devices that have access to your account.
Change Your Password
The next step is to change your password to a strong, unique password that you have not used before. A strong password should contain a combination of numbers, symbols, and uppercase and lowercase letters.
Avoid using easily guessable information, like your name or birthday, as part of your password. To do this, go back to the “Account” section and click on “Change password” under the “Membership & billing” section.
Enter your current password and your new password to complete the change. Be sure to confirm your new password by re-entering it in the “Confirm new password” field, and click “Save” to finalize it.
Require All Devices to Sign In Again
When you change your password, you should require all devices to sign in again with the new credentials. Check the box that says “Require all devices to sign in again with new password” when you change it. This will force all devices to sign in again with your new password.
Check Your Account Information
After changing your password, it’s essential to check your account information to confirm that nothing has been changed. This includes your:
- email address
- payment card
- other personal information
If you notice any changes, such as a new email address or payment card, change it back to your original information. To check your account information, go back to the “Account” section and click on “Membership & billing.” Here, you can view and edit your account information.
Change Your Email Password
If the hacker was able to change your email on your Netflix account, they likely have access to your email account. Therefore, it is important to change your email password to prevent them from accessing it.
To change your email password, log in to your email account and look for the “Settings” or “Security” section. From there, you should be able to change your password. Be sure to choose a strong, unique string of letters, numbers, and symbols that you have not used before.
Contact Netflix Support
If you need additional assistance or would like to report the issue, contact Netflix support. They can help you with any issues related to your account, such as recovering a hacked account or resetting your password.
To contact Netflix support, go to the Netflix Help Center and click on the “Contact Us” button. From there, you can choose the option that best describes your issue and speak with an agent.
Protect Your Netflix Account
As a Netflix user, it’s important to be aware of the risk of potential cyber-attacks. In addition to staying away from phishing emails, you should always be aware of your account activity and take action quickly if you suspect any unauthorized users have gained access to your account.
If you need assistance securing your Netflix account in the present and preventing it from being hacked in the future, contact Two River Computer today. Our team will be happy to assist you remotely or at our Fair Haven location.