When Disney Plus came out, it was an exciting moment for a lot of people. The entire Disney movie archive was just a few clicks away. The platform offered a plethora of classic Disney programs, the Star Wars franchise, and the Marvel franchise all in one place.
But the start was a bit bumpy for Disney Plus. There were issues with subtitles and the screen showing error page and flat out refusing to work. If that wasn’t enough, there were reports about thousands of Disney Plus accounts getting hacked. Why does that happen, and what can you do to ensure it doesn’t happen again?
Did Disney Plus Get Hacked?
Disney Plus doesn’t appear to have been hacked. But, Disney Plus customers have complained online, on Twitter and elsewhere, about the account breaches they have experienced.
As it seems, hackers have found a way to access thousands of Disney Plus user accounts and are selling them around the dark web. The user accounts were available for sale a day or two after the streaming service launched.
This whole ordeal was, undoubtedly, very disappointing to anyone who experienced it. You anticipated the launch, only to end up with your account hacked, and your email was rendered useless.
Securing Your Disney+ Account
It’s easy to take the rage out on Disney and curse the hackers who did it. However, maybe there are ways you can improve the security of your data online.
Create a Strong Password
One of the most common ways your accounts get hacked is because you use the same password over and over again. That’s not a great idea. It might be a hassle to remember multiple passwords, but you should use a different one for each account you make. You’d probably be better off using a passphrase instead of a password.
That means turning your password into a longer phrase, like a quote from a book or a song. Add numbers and capitalization, as well. Don’t save the passphrase to your phone or computer to minimize the chances of your account getting compromised again.
Here’s how to update your Disney+ Password:
- Log into your account using a web browser and hove over the profile icon in the upper right-hand corner.
- Click on ‘Account’
- Click ‘Change Password’
- Input your current password, and the new more secure password
If you’re trying to think of a new password for your Disney Plus, maybe pick a line from the favorite Disney song or a catchphrase from your favorite movie.
Malware Protection Is a Must
Not having any malware protection on your computer leaves it exposed and susceptible to attack. It’s there to safeguard you from the things you don’t even know are coming. If you’re wondering what the best Malware options are, we have an article for you.
What is malware anyway? Think viruses, trojans, spyware, and other types of scary-ware. It’s all hidden in strange emails and questionable websites. Make sure to install a high-quality anti-virus program that will regularly scan your computer for these issues.
Don’t Forget the Updates
No one likes doing it, but you know you have to. Operating system updates are annoying, and it always seems like they can wait a bit longer. But they bring important security patches that will help your computer and your data stay safe.
Whichever operating system you are using, make sure to keep track of the updates. You can always automate them and not worry about security breaches.
Check Your Wireless Network
If you’re using wireless internet at home or work, you’re probably connected to a password-protected network. In case you’re not, you might want to reconsider. Having a password-protected wireless connection prevents unauthorized people from gaining access to it.
Even if it’s to check their email, you don’t want unknown people messing with your Wi-Fi network. Also, avoid using open wireless networks in public spaces, as much as you can. Be extra careful if your device isn’t protected.
Protect Your Other Devices Too
Since you can watch Disney Plus on other devices and not just your computer or smart TV, it’s best to ensure those are protected too. Configure all the apps you download yourself and check the settings from time to time, including all the privacy settings.
Keep your smartphones and tablets locked in case they get stolen. Also, make sure to disable Bluetooth when you’re not actively using it. An active Bluetooth connection might make your device vulnerable.
It might not be as standard, but you can also get anti-malware protection for your other devices, such as smartphones and tablets.
In general, it’s a good idea to be mindful of what kind of apps you download. Many apps run in the background, and not only can they slow your phone down, but they could also be doing more nefarious things. Rely on the apps from trusted sources.
What Can Disney Do About It?
There are many things you can do as a user to ensure your account doesn’t get hacked and to have a safer time online in general. But how could Disney help too?
For starters, they can start using Two-Factor Authentication. It’s used in addition to passwords, and it’s there to make sure you are who you say you are when you’re logging in. Gmail uses it, and it does sometimes seem like too many hoops to jump through. However, it feels good to know your account and data are safe.
What to do if Your Account Was Stolen
If you’ve followed all of the steps listed above it’s not likely you’ll be hacked. But what if you’ve already been hacked and your account information isn’t yours? Your first step should be to contact Disney+ support. Visit the website and scroll to the bottom to access the chat or phone call options.
If your troubles go beyond the help that the Disney support team is willing to offer, it’s best to prevent further billing. Contact your financial institution or PayPal (depending on how you set it up) to prevent paying for the subscription service.
If any changes are made to your account, including the login information, you will be notified via email. Keeping your profile information current is vital to receiving these notifications.
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