Are you worried about any security risks happening in your OTT streaming platforms? While direct-to-customer services provide great opportunities to keep users entertained, there are also risks involved. The OTT platforms in India are no less susceptible to such threats. Let us have a look at the risks and threats that OTT platforms are vulnerable to.

OTT surfaces -The attack point

The widespread knowledge of system applications has led to many hacking vulnerabilities. To understand this, first, we need to take a peek into how hackers manage to access the OTT platform.

Every OTT application has a surface area that is defined by the application version, the infrastructure involved, and the supported platforms like web browsers, mobile phones, Smart TVs, online streaming services, etc. Each of these surfaces has components that are points of attack. If the application has a weak security system, one of these widespread components is vulnerable to a cyber attack. A well-designed app has the least surface area exposed to a hacker. Still, the risks exist.

Constraints in securing OTT apps

If there are many risks that the OTT apps are exposed to, can’t we just find a fix for each risk? Sadly the answer is No. Some of the many reasons being there are constant updates happening in each operating system that further exposes the application. The third-party libraries tied to the applications release periodical changes. many streaming platforms offer depreciation and the list goes on.

‍Access points for malicious activities

The same access points a security team uses to safeguard an application are exploited by malicious hackers. They target areas that do not have the latest security updates.

The most common access points are listed below for your understanding.

• Admin portals,
• Backdoors,
• Leftover info files
• Installation folders,
• Unprotected pages,
• Developer environments,
• Forgotten API endpoints,
• Git repositories,
• Marketing websites,
• Content management systems
• Payment processors

Recent Cyber Attacks in the industry

Irdeto Piracy Trends reported credential stuffing attacks on many of the popular OTT streaming platforms like Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Disney plus Hotstar, etc. Hackers used user’s stolen login details and hacked into their accounts using the brute force method. According to the report, 854 OTT credentials were used from 69 sellers on Dark Web. 42 of these sellers included the OTT streaming services.

Another study from Proofpoint threat analysts reveals that valid credentials were stolen from Netflix and Disney plus Hotstar accounts by cybercriminals which were later sold at minimal discounted prices.

Mixcloud, a popular online music service provider, was attacked by AWS hackers. This affected around 20 million user accounts as their data was compromised on Dark Web.

Securing login identities is a mandatory aspect as per the above evidence of cyberattacks.

Some of the ways to safeguard login credentials are:-

1. automated bot detection
2. low-friction authentication
3. passwordless login

Cyber Threats Involved

It is a common practice to ignore security implications when it comes to OTT and other entertainment applications. While customers are extremely careful of their banking credentials, they are not mindful of their login details for Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc. This is when hackers make their move.

The most common ways cyber attackers gain access to unauthorized access to customer accounts are:-

1. Phishing Attack

   Here, hackers dupe customers into accessing email links or instant messages .they also create genuine-looking websites and encourage users to log in. Once this is done, the credentials, credit card details, etc are in the hands of these malicious attackers.

   The Guardian revealed that more than 700 lookalike websites similar to OTT players like Netflix as well as Disney+ signup pages were created to exploit the customers who are turning more into OTT platforms during the pandemic.

2. Credential Stuffing Attack

   Cyber attackers use databases with stolen login credentials via several automated bots which give them access to countless user accounts.

   The main loophole that attackers find is because many users have the same password for multiple applications.

3. Brute Force Attack

   The hackers use the trial and error method to get login details. They make wild guesses as per data from automated bots to crack user accounts.

4. Account Takeover Attack

   There is a criminal ecosystem in place that provides previously stolen credentials to hackers. This is the soft spot for account take-over attacks. Numerous users re-use their login credentials and cyber attackers wait eagerly to pounce on this chance.

5. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attack

   Mit M attacks are very risky as this is the means of cyber eavesdropping. Attackers place themselves secretly in between the receiver and sender. They gain access to sensitive data and cause severe repercussions.

What the OTT Streaming Industry Can Do to Enhance Customer security

Securing consumer information is of utmost importance today. Identity preservation of Users has been severely compromised. Let us look at the best ways to enhance consumer security.

Placing user experience as a prime concern

Given the cyber attacks happening, most of the OTT platforms in India are already placing the user identity as the prime factor. Curated recommendations are offered by Amazon Prime, Netflix, Disney Plus Hotstar, etc.

Safeguarding User personal information

Consumers will continue to subscribe only if they feel secure in a platform. Practicing the right cybersecurity measures and ensuring apt identity management solutions helps to grow any customer base.

Avoid the use of targeted bots and automation

Multi-factor authentication is required to avoid cyber credential stuffing. Confirming if a site is dealing with a human is critical to securing user accounts.

Introduce low-fiction security fixes

Introducing passwordless authentication, using OTP logins, biometric implementation, etc is exactly the need of the hour. It is easy to confirm a consumer’s identity through these ways and ensure that their data does not fall into dangerous hands.

Piracy protection

Lack of monthly subscriptions, downloading free content, live streaming of premium content, etc are the main strong points of piracy sites. Every OTT platform should warn its subscribers against pirated versions and ensure that they follow strict protocols in viewing content. OTT censorship is being taken very seriously in India as a measure to protect Indian viewers from the traps of malicious hackers.

Winding-up

OTT platforms are in a hurry to enhance frictionless user experience and install optimal security. Though it is time-consuming to create complicated passwords and follow multi-factor authentication, users are advocated to enhance security precautions on their part. Data security is crucial in times when there is such a digital invasion of human life. Follow us to know more about updates in the cyberworld.