Technology

Over half a million Roku accounts compromised in second cybersecurity breach

Published

2 weeks ago

April 18, 2024

Over half a million Roku accounts compromised in second cybersecurity breach

Recently, Roku has faced significant security challenges, with two separate cyberattacks occurring within a short span.

The streaming giant confirmed that over half million Roku user accounts were compromised through credential-stuffing attacks in a second incident.

Man using a Roku remote (Roku)

What happened: A breakdown of the incidents

The first of these incidents was detected earlier this year when Roku’s security systems noticed unusual activity in about 15,000 user accounts. Investigations revealed that these breaches were due to credential stuffing, where attackers used login information stolen from other services to access Roku accounts. Fortunately, Roku confirmed that there was no compromise of their systems and the credentials used were obtained from external sources.

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The situation escalated with a second, larger-scale incident involving approximately 576,000 accounts. In fewer than 400 of these cases, malicious actors logged in and unauthorized purchases of streaming service subscriptions and Roku hardware products were made. However, sensitive user information, including full credit card numbers or other full payment information, remained secure.

Roku has over 80 million active accounts, and the affected accounts represent a small fraction of their user base. The company posted a statement on its website, saying, “We sincerely regret that these incidents occurred and any disruption they may have caused. Your account security is a top priority, and we are committed to protecting your Roku account.”

MORE: HOW TO FIND OUT WHO’S SPYING ON YOU

Roku’s proactive measures

In response to these security breaches, Roku has taken four proactive steps.

1. Password Resets: All affected accounts have had their passwords reset.

2. Direct Notifications: Roku has been notifying affected customers directly.

3. Refunds and Reversals: Charges made during the breach are being refunded or reversed.

4. Two-Factor Authentication: Roku has rolled out two-factor authentication (2FA) for all accounts to provide an additional layer of security.

NATIONWIDE ALERT: SMS PHISHING ATTACKS TARGET TOLL ROAD CUSTOMERS

MORE: HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM STREAMING HACKS

How you can help protect your account

Roku emphasizes the importance of user participation in securing accounts. Here are a few recommendations:

Strong, Unique Passwords: Users are urged to create robust passwords that are unique to their Roku accounts. You might want to consider using a password manager to generate and store your passwords securely.
Vigilance: Roku advises users to be vigilant against suspicious communications and to contact customer support if unsure about the authenticity of a request.
Stay Informed: Users should regularly check their emails for communications from Roku and log into their accounts to review charges.

What to do if you’ve been hacked

If it has already happened, and you’ve been hacked, then you should take immediate action to minimize the damage and secure your device. Here are some steps that you can follow.

Change your Roku passwords

If hackers have recorded your passwords, they could access your online accounts and steal your data or money. ON ANOTHER DEVICE (i.e., your laptop or desktop), you should change your passwords for all your important accounts, such as email, banking, social media, etc. You want to do this on another device so the hacker isn’t’ recording you setting up your new password on your hacked device. And you should also use strong and unique passwords that are hard to guess or crack. You can also use a password manager to generate and store your passwords securely.

Enable two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication prevents credential-stuffing attacks by adding an additional layer of security to your Roku account. It works by prompting you to enter a time-sensitive code along with your username and password. This prevents hackers from breaking into your account with just a stolen password.

Monitor your accounts and transactions

You should check your online accounts and transactions regularly for any suspicious or unauthorized activity. If you notice anything unusual, report it to the service provider or authorities immediately. You should also review your credit reports and scores to see if there are any signs of identity theft or fraud.

Use identity theft protection

Identity Theft protection companies can monitor personal information like your home title, Social Security Number, phone number and email address and alert you if it is being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals.

One of the best parts of using an identity theft protection company is that it could include identity theft insurance of up to $1 million to cover losses and legal fees and a white-glove fraud resolution team where a U.S.-based case manager helps you recover any losses. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.

Contact your bank and credit card companies

If hackers have obtained your bank or credit card information, they could use it to make purchases or withdrawals without your consent. You should inform your bank and credit card companies of the situation. They can help you freeze or cancel your cards, dispute any fraudulent charges and issue new cards for you.

Alert your contacts

If hackers have accessed your email or social media accounts, they could use them to send spam or phishing messages to your contacts. They could also impersonate you and ask for money or personal information. You should alert your contacts and warn them not to open or respond to any messages from you that seem suspicious or unusual.

Hacker on a laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: HACKERS USE PIRATED SOFTWARE TO HIJACK MAC, ANDROID AND WINDOWS DEVICES

Kurt’s key takeaways

Roku’s recent experiences highlight digital service providers’ ongoing challenges in securing user data against increasingly sophisticated cyberthreats. By implementing stronger security measures and fostering user awareness, Roku aims to safeguard against future incidents. The adoption of two-factor authentication is a significant step forward, ensuring that the security of user accounts is not solely dependent on passwords.

How has the recent surge in cyberattacks affected your trust in digital platforms, and what actions should companies take to regain your confidence? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

Fox News AI Newsletter: Jobs AI can't take

Published

5 mins ago

May 1, 2024

Press Room

Mehmet Aytekin, 28, left, checks his cell phone while waiting to board his United Airlines flight to Newark, N.J. at O’Hare International Airport on Jan. 3, 2020. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

Welcome to Fox News’ Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

– Gen Zers are ‘catching the wave’ of blue-collar jobs that AI can’t take, tech CEO says
– Amazon sales surge as company trains focus on artificial intelligence
– Don’t use science fiction to inspire public policy on AI

An illustration of artificial intelligence (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

CATCHING THE BLUE WAVE? Amid high costs and controversies surrounding college education – coupled with the threat that artificial intelligence poses on certain white-collar jobs – much of Gen Z is leaning toward pursuing trade schools and blue-collar jobs with that tech gap in mind.

IN ITS ‘PRIME’: Amazon.com reported record first-quarter sales as the AI boom powered growth in its cloud-computing unit, helping the company continue to shake off last year’s post-pandemic slump.

Amazon Logo (Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

FUTURE’S NOT SET: Policymakers should not reference or rely on fictional scenarios as reasons to regulate AI. Otherwise, America risks losing its global lead on AI and American citizens could never realize the full benefits of the technology.

WELCOME TO CLASS: Google rolled out a new course on Friday teaching people how to use artificial intelligence tools and announced its philanthropy arm is dedicating $75 million for 1 million Americans to take it for free as part of an initiative to make AI training more accessible.

The Google AI logo is being displayed on a smartphone with Gemini in the background in this photo illustration, taken in Brussels, Belgium, on February 8, 2024. (Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto via Getty Images / Getty Images) ((Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Subscribe now to get the Fox News Artificial Intelligence Newsletter in your inbox.

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Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future with Fox News here.

This article was written by Fox News staff.

Technology

iOS 17.5 beta lets you keep Find My on during iPhone repairs

Published

7 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Press Room

iOS 17.5 beta lets you keep Find My on during iPhone repairs

Pretty soon, Apple might let you send your iPhone in for repair without disabling Find My and Activation Lock. In the fourth iOS 17.5 beta, 9to5Mac and MacRumors found that Apple is planning to introduce a new “Repair State” mode that keeps the anti-theft measures on while your iPhone is getting fixed.

Apple and many authorized repair providers currently ask you to turn off Find My when you’re getting your iPhone repaired. It has this requirement to “prevent anyone else from getting service for your device without your knowledge,” according to Apple’s support page.

But turning off Find My got a little more tricky with the introduction of Stolen Device Protection. When enabled, this feature forces you to wait one hour before performing certain actions, like turning off Find My. That isn’t too convenient if you forget to turn off Find My before you arrive at the Apple Store for a repair.

The new Repair State option should change this. As pointed out by 9to5Mac, it will let you confirm that your phone is getting repaired by entering your Apple ID and password. You can then continue to track your phone from other devices. The device will have a “Ready for Repair” in the Find My app when the option is enabled, along with a note that the “device remains fully functional,” 9to5Mac reports.

Technology

Repurposed Boeing 737 transforms into private jet villa soaring in luxury

Published

7 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Press Room

Repurposed Boeing 737 transforms into private jet villa soaring in luxury

If you are looking for a getaway that elevates your vacation to new heights, the Private Jet Villa in Bali turns that fantasy into reality.

Perched like a crown jewel atop the Nyang Nyang Beach cliff, this Indonesian villa epitomizes luxury and innovation.

The aircraft, a Boeing 737 that previously operated in Indonesia, was transported to the location via truck and crane following its decommissioning. Subsequently, it underwent an expert renovation right at the site.

CLICK TO GET KURT’S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK VIDEO TIPS, TECH REVIEWS AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER

Private Jet Villa (Geometrium Studio team)

A fusion of flight and comfort

The Geometrium Studio team achieved a world first with the Private Jet Villa. It’s not just a place to stay; it’s an experience. Imagine waking up in a converted Boeing 737, approximately 492 feet above the sea, with the Indian Ocean as your backdrop.

Private Jet Villa (Geometrium Studio team)

Inside the fuselage

Guests access the interior of the villa via a floating staircase. The villa, encompassing an area of approximately 1,076 square feet, features a kitchen-living room, two bedrooms, one with a jacuzzi in the cockpit that’s surrounded by panoramic windows and two bathrooms.

Private Jet Villa (Geometrium Studio team)

In the villa’s design, the strategic placement of mirrors creates an illusion of a more expansive space. The incorporation of relief glass inserts in several rooms not only enhances the natural light coming in, but also fosters a seamless visual flow between the areas.

Private Jet Villa (Geometrium Studio team)

MORE: THE BEST TRAVEL GEAR FOR 2024

Custom crafting for curved spaces

Because the aircraft’s body is all curves and no flat spots, the designers couldn’t just use off-the-shelf furniture and finishes. Everything had to be custom-made.

The dining area in the Private Jet Villa (Geometrium Studio team)

The extras outside the villa

But it’s the extras outside the villa that make it that much more special, including a bonfire area.

The Private Jet Villa’s exterior (Geometrium Studio team)

Guests arrive either by road or air using a helicopter landing pad that is only steps away from the villa.

View from above the Private Jet Villa (Geometrium Studio team)

But the big bonus is a unique terrace situated on the aircraft’s wing and a cantilever swimming pool with a hot tub floating in midair. It was designed with a special support system that spreads out the weight of the water evenly. Additionally, the pool features a glass section along its edge, allowing swimmers to submerge themselves and gaze out at the ocean from beneath the water’s surface.

MORE: UNFORGETTABLE MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS 2024

Private Jet Villa pool (Geometrium Studio team)

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Picture-perfect moments

Every corner of the Private Jet Villa is a photo opportunity. From the bathroom with ocean views to the terrace that feels like you’re soaring, it’s a social media dream come true. The villa is designed to stir emotions and create memories. It’s a playground for the senses, with interactive zones that make you feel like you’re flying without ever leaving the ground.

Private Jet Villa deck (Geometrium Studio team)

Balancing beauty and function

Despite the challenges of converting a plane into a living space, the design team has crafted a villa that feels open and inviting. They’ve used light tones, natural textures and clever engineering to make the most of the unique space.

CHILDREN FLYING ALONE WILL NEED EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION, CHECKLISTS AND MORE FROM PARENTS

Private Jet Villa bathroom (Geometrium Studio team)

Privacy with a pattern

The design team also added a touch of privacy without building a fortress, designing a nifty fencing system. It’s got a checkerboard vibe that hides the aircraft from nosy passersby but still keeps things airy. And for a little extra separation from the neighbors, they put up a concrete wall and planted what’s going to be a lush, green living hedge.

Engineering ingenuity belowdecks

Down below, in what used to be the cargo hold, is where the air conditioning, electrical infrastructure and pipe distribution to the bathrooms are all housed.

Private Jet Villa entrance (Geometrium Studio team)

How to experience the Private Jet Villa

For those interested in experiencing the Private Jet Villa firsthand, it is listed on Airbnb for vacation rentals. The rental cost fluctuates based on the season and duration of the stay. Preliminary quotes range from approximately $2,000 to upwards of $5,000 per night, positioning it as a premium accommodation choice.

Private Jet Villa exterior (Geometrium Studio team)

Kurt’s key takeaways

The Private Jet Villa is more than just a place to stay. It’s a sanctuary that offers a taste of the high life, quite literally. However, it’s also a true testament to human creativity and the pursuit of creating extraordinary spaces.

What do you think about the concept of transforming aircraft into luxury living spaces? Would you like to spend a night in the Private Jet Villa? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions: