Growing Influence of Cybersecurity for OTT Platforms

Phishing attacks are also common among OTT platform users. In addition, hackers could potentially tamper with the platform's Second Object (SO) files, giving them illegal access to private information.

FREMONT, CA: The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the popularity of Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms. Consumers turned to Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and other streaming services as they huddled indoors to avoid the new coronavirus. The drawback is that streaming video providers have now attracted the attention of cybercriminals. For example, one most popular OTT platforms had a data breach that exposed nine million users' personal information, like their names, phone numbers, and email addresses. Similar data breaches have also affected leading OTT service providers like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Disney+.

What Makes OTT Platforms Susceptible to Cyber-Attacks?

To begin with, people do not treat their OTT login credentials with the same level of importance as their online banking passwords or other critical data. They frequently log into various devices and even sign up for several video streaming services with the same password. Many users also disclose their passwords with acquaintances, coworkers, and family members. This makes it easier for fraudsters to use bots and brute force assaults to gain access to their accounts. Phishing attacks are also common among OTT platform users. In addition, hackers could potentially tamper with the platform's Second Object (SO) files, giving them illegal access to private information. OTT platforms are also vulnerable to application forging, reverse engineering, and malware attacks.

The Importance of Cybersecurity for OTT Service Providers

Any intrusion resulting in a data breach could disclose sensitive information to the consumers, such as credit card numbers and bank account numbers. Cybercriminals could also gain access to and change the app's source code to capture and sell user data on the dark web.

Apart from compromising user safety through identity theft, such attacks also damage the reputation and integrity of the OTT platform. As a result, consumer trust will be harmed, customer churn will rise, and income will suffer. Similarly, tampering with SO files and reverse-engineering assaults might lead to additional income losses. Furthermore, premium content could be leaked online or sold at a bargain by hackers. As a result, it is becoming critical for today's streaming service providers to implement appropriate cybersecurity protocols to protect customer data and revenue.