Phishing and Malware groups now targeting Netflix users
Netflix users are now being targeted by phishing and malware groups who are looking to steal login and credit card information. These cyber criminals then try to sell the information on the black market.
The video streaming company has expanded internationally the past months; and as it has become more successful and readily available, it is becoming a more lucrative target for these hacking groups looking to make a quick profit from unsuspecting users.
According to a report by the Symantec research team, there are two common techniques being used by hackers to steal Netflix users’ credit card information. The most common methods are malicious Trojans posing as the authentic Netflix website and sophisticated phishing campaigns.
The malware the hackers use enter an unsuspecting victim’s system when they are fooled by bogus advertisements or offers. Once the malware is installed, the Infostealer.Banload software compromises the system – taking the targeted information and even infecting the system with malicious files.
The stolen information can be used to open new Netflix accounts, another means for these criminals to cash in.
Netflix users from Brazil are the most common victims of the security hack, reports say. Banking and credit card information are usually stolen from these users; however, login information of users are also pilfered by these scams.
Hackers look to take away any information they can – from a user’s login and personal information, to their payment credentials and other bank information.
Danish users have also been targeted but by a slightly different but still similar phishing scam. The victim usually receives an email asking for their bank account information pretending that their Netflix account payment details have to be updated. If the user does comply with the phishing email, they information is directly sent to the waiting hackers’ hands.
While these scenarios sound awful, it doesn’t end there. Some attackers have been known to sell the information they have on the Dark Web – the black market of the internet.
The stolen information can be used to open new Netflix accounts, another means these criminals can cash in.
Some experts believe the complexity of the phishing operation might suggest the people involved with the scheme are not amateurs looking for a quick buck; but might just be part of a larger, more organized hacking organization.
On the other hand, Netflix users do not have to fall prey to these schemes. Downloading the Netflix app from official app stores, and accessing the official website are surefire ways of not falling for these tricks.
Users should also double check with the official website if there are free or reduced price promos as this is the another scheme hackers use to pull in their victims.
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