3 Shady Streaming Sites Tech Experts Advise Against—They Could Infect Your Devices With Malware: Encryption & More

Streaming sites are such a lifesaver when you’re ready to be entertained. Whether your favorite site to stream content like movies, TV shows, and music is Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, YouTube, or choose any one of dozens more to insert here, they all share one thing in common: they have to be safe and secure for you to feel good about using them.

Many of us rely on streaming sites daily, and these sites can contain our passwords, credit card information, and personal info. When you are considering with sites to use, it’s important to read more about their policies and avoid those that take too many liberties with your data. Generally speaking, streaming sites that have these practices in place should we used with caution.

Encryption

Is your streaming service barely requiring that you create a complex password to access its content? Consider that a red flag: strong encryption protocols are necessary to avoid potential data breaches.

Data Collection

Is your streaming service transparent about the data that it wants to collect from you and what it intends to do with it? If the site is sharing your data with third-parties without giving you the option of opting out, reconsider using it.

Third-Party Tracking

Many websites are using third-party tracking technologies like cookies or trackers to follow you as you scroll around so they can learn about your needs, habits, and interests and target ads to you. Check to see if your streaming site allows for third-party tracking.

Data Retention and Deletion

The site you use should make it clear how they intend to retain your data and give you options to delete your data when you want.

Location Tracking

A lot of apps now track your location (again, this is usually to profit from you via third parties). But a streaming site should always ask your permission to do this first and you should have the option of not allowing location tracking if you don’t feel comfortable with it.