In recent months, a leak of enormous proportions that has put the digital security of millions of users at risk. streaming platforms most recognized worldwide - including Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video - have been the subject of the compromised exposure of access data affecting more than 7 million accounts only in 2024. Latin America, particularly Brazil and Mexico, stands out among the countries most affected by this incident, which also highlights the growing risks of managing our subscriptions and passwords in the era of online entertainment.
The impact of the leak goes far beyond simple unauthorized access to watch free TV shows or movies. When a streaming account's credentials are compromised, the door is opened to much greater risks, from the Identity Theft to unauthorized access to other platforms if the user reuses their password. The consequences can range from the unrecognized billing to phishing campaigns specifically designed to take advantage of exposed personal data.
How did the massive streaming account leaks happen?
This is not, as one might think, a direct vulnerability in the streaming platforms themselves. Cybersecurity experts explain that these Credentials were collected through data theft campaigns much wider, taking advantage of the inadvertent installation of malware on users' devices. Malicious programs, known as infostealers, they infiltrate through files downloaded outside of official sites, suspicious extensions, or compromised applications that seem harmless.
Once the devices are infected, they Malware extracts passwords, cookies, and metadata These then end up circulating in underground markets or forums dedicated to the buying and selling of data. There have even been cases in which databases are "given away" to gain reputation among the hacker community. Therefore, leaks not only affect those who have lost control of their streaming account, but can also lead to attacks on other associated accounts or, in the worst case, intrusions into bank accounts or email accounts.
Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video: Cybercriminals' Favorite Targets
Netflix leads the ranking of the most affected platforms, with a record of more than 5,6 million accounts leaked so far this year according to recent studies by firms such as Kaspersky. They are followed by Disney + With almost 681.000 accounts exposed y Amazon Prime Video, which although with less volume (around 1.600 cases detected), is still present on the lists of compromised credentials.
Brazil and Mexico appear to be the countries with the highest volume of hacked accounts, although the problem is global. In many cases, this data comes from massive compilations of previous hacks and new campaigns, which means the real number of affected users may be even higher. Many of these leaked records contain still-valid and active passwords, increasing the risk for those who don't regularly change their credentials.
Main risks for users: from identity theft to financial fraud
The danger of these leaks goes beyond losing access to a streaming account. The big threat is that a single exposed password It can be the key to access other services if the user reuses it, facilitating the Identity theft, access to bank accounts, personal emails, or even the execution of financial fraud.
In addition, stolen information—which may include login cookies, tokens, and other personal data—is then sold on underground forums or used in cyberattacks. highly personalized phishingThis situation reveals the magnitude of the problem and the urgent need to strengthen digital security habits in the face of a threat that continues to grow.
What steps should you take to protect your streaming accounts?
The main recommendation of the experts is immediately change password If you suspect your account has been compromised, opt for unique and strong passwords that you don't repeat on other services. Turn on two-step authentication whenever your platform allows it: This simple but effective measure adds an extra barrier against unauthorized access attempts.
Equally fundamental is Use only official applications and pages to access these services, and avoid downloading suspicious files, especially those with .exe or .msi extensions, which are common in malware distribution. Take advantage of the recommendations in
to keep your devices and accounts secure.
If you use the same password on more than one site, the risk of compromising multiple services increases dramatically. Therefore, it's recommended to use password managers and avoid storing passwords in unprotected files or notes on your phone.
To verify if your data has been affected by a leak, there are online services like "Have I Been Pwned" that allow you to check if your email or credentials have appeared in leaked databases. If you have any questions, Change your password and strengthen securityReviewing your privacy settings and recovery methods also helps keep your accounts secure.
The Cybersecurity trends indicate that attacks will continue to grow In the streaming sector, driven by the advantages cybercriminals gain. Technology is evolving, and solutions like "passkeys" are emerging, which will reduce dependence on traditional passwords in the future. But in the meantime, maintaining good security habits will be the best strategy to protect against these risks.
The massive leak on streaming services shows that protection doesn't depend solely on the platforms; it also starts with the user. Implementing frequent password changes, enabling two-factor authentication, and accessing only from official apps are essential steps to reduce vulnerability to cybercriminals' increasingly ingenious methods.
