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Showing posts with label Roku. Show all posts
Tracking
Ads Analytics AppleTV Chromecast control Cyber Security Data device FireTV personalization Roku settings smartTV streaming surveillance Tracking

Your Streaming Devices Are Watching You—Here's How to Stop It

Streaming devices like Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and Chromecast make binge-watching easy—but they’re also tracking your habits behind the scenes.

Most smart TVs and platforms collect data on what you watch, when, and how you use their apps. While this helps with personalised recommendations and ads, it also means your privacy is at stake.


If that makes you uncomfortable, here’s how to take back control:

1. Amazon Fire TV Stick
Amazon collects "frequency and duration of use of apps on Fire TV" to improve services but says, “We don’t collect information about what customers watch in third-party apps on Fire TV.”
To limit tracking:
  • Go to Settings > Preferences > Privacy Settings
  • Turn off Device Usage Data
  • Turn off Collect App Usage Data
  • Turn off Interest-based Ads

2. Google Chromecast with Google TV
Google collects data across its platforms including search history, YouTube views, voice commands, and third-party app activity. However, “Google Chromecast as a platform does not perform ACR.”
To limit tracking:
  • Go to Settings > Privacy
  • Turn off Usage & Diagnostics
  • Opt out of Ads Personalization
  • Visit myactivity.google.com to manage other data

3. Roku
Roku tracks “search history, audio inputs, channels you access” and shares this with advertisers.
To reduce tracking:
  • Go to Settings > Privacy > Advertising
  • Enable Limit Ad Tracking
  • Adjust Microphone and Channel Permissions under Privacy settings
4. Apple TV
Apple links activity to your Apple ID and tracks viewing history. It also shares some data with partners. However, it asks permission before allowing apps to track.
To improve privacy:

  • Go to Settings > General > Privacy
  • Enable Allow Apps to Ask to Track
  • Turn off Share Apple TV Analytics
  • Turn off Improve Siri and Dictation

While streaming devices offer unmatched convenience, they come at the cost of data privacy. Fortunately, each platform allows users to tweak their settings and regain some control over what’s being shared. A few minutes in the settings menu can go a long way in protecting your personal viewing habits from constant surveillance.
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Roku
2FA Credential Stuffing Data Breach Password Roku

Roku Security Breach Exposes Over 500,000 User Accounts to Cyber Threats

 


In a recent set of events, streaming giant Roku has disclosed an eminent security breach affecting over half a million user accounts. Following a recent data breach, Roku has uncovered additional compromised accounts, totaling approximately 576,000 users affected by the breach.

Security Breach Details

Last month, Roku announced that around 15,000 customers might have had their sensitive information, including usernames, passwords, and credit card details, stolen by hackers. These stolen credentials were then utilised to gain unauthorised access to other streaming platforms and even to purchase streaming gear from Roku's website. Subsequently, the compromised Roku accounts were sold on the dark web for a mere $0.50 each.

Method of Attack

The hackers employed a tactic known as "credential stuffing" to gain access to the jeopardised accounts. This method relies on using stolen usernames and passwords from other data breaches to gain unauthorised access to various accounts. It highlights the importance of avoiding password reuse across different platforms, no matter how convenient the idea of having one go-to password may seem. 

Proactive Measures by Roku

Roku took proactive steps in response to the security incidents. While investigating the initial breach, the company discovered a second similar incident affecting over 500,000 additional accounts. Roku clarified that there's no evidence indicating that their systems were directly laid on the line. Instead, the hackers likely obtained the credentials from external sources, such as previous data breaches or leaks.

Protecting Your Roku Account

To safeguard users' accounts, Roku has implemented several measures. Firstly, the company has reset the passwords for all affected accounts and initiated direct notifications to affected customers. Additionally, Roku is refunding or reversing any unauthorised charges made by hackers. Furthermore, two-factor authentication (2FA) has been enabled for all Roku accounts, adding an extra layer of security.

User Precautions

Despite Roku's efforts, users are advised to take additional precautions. It's crucial to use strong, unique passwords for each online account, including Roku. Password managers can assist in generating and securely storing complex passwords. Additionally, users should remain watchful for any suspicious activity on their accounts and monitor their bank statements closely.

As Roku continues its investigations, users are urged to stay cautious online. There's a possibility of hackers attempting targeted phishing attacks using stolen information. Therefore, users should exercise caution when interacting with emails purportedly from Roku and verify the authenticity of any communication from the company.

The recent security breaches bear down on the critical need for strong cybersecurity practices by both companies and users. While Roku has taken considerable steps to address the issue, users must remain proactive in protecting their accounts from potential threats. Stay informed and take necessary precautions to safeguard your online ecosystem. 

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