Roku has been hit by cyber hackers who gained access to 15,363 accounts and took usernames and passwords that customers also used on other websites, the TV streaming platform recently disclosed.
The breach, reported on March 8, occurred between December 28, 2023 and February 21, according to a disclosure notice with the Maine Attorney General's Office.
Roku said it has already reset the account passwords of those affected by the cyber attack, but encourages users to also take the following steps:
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
What to do
- Review the subscriptions and the devices linked to your account, which you can view on your account dashboard.
- Always use a strong, unique password for each of your online accounts. For more information, visit Roku's how to create a strong and secure password for your account site.
- Regularly review statements from your account and obtain your credit report from one or more of the national credit reporting companies. You can obtain a free copy of your credit report online at www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling toll-free 1-877-322-8228.
Hackers tried to buy subscriptions
The breach is the latest in a long line of cyber attacks on businesses and follows a massive breach at 23andMe last December. The breach at the genetic testing company also involved hacks of accounts in which customers used the same passwords and usernames from other websites.
Experts warn customers to change their passwords often and don't use the same ones across accounts.
In a March 8 letter sent to users, Roku said that it observed suspicious activity "indicating that certain individual Roku accounts may have been accessed by unauthorized actors.”
After an investigation, Roku found that unauthorized actors likely obtained the usernames and passwords of subscribers from third-party sources, such as data breaches of other services that those subscribers use, and then used those same logins and passwords to gain access to Roku accounts.
“After gaining access, they then changed the Roku login information for the affected individual Roku accounts and, in a limited number of cases, attempted to purchase streaming subscriptions,” Roku said. “However, access to the affected Roku accounts did not provide the unauthorized actors with access to social security numbers, full payment account numbers, dates of birth, or other similar sensitive personal information requiring notification.”
To reset your Roku account, go to my.roku.com and use the “forgot password?” option on the sign-in page.
Roku users with any questions about the incident are encouraged to contact Roku at 1-816-272-8106 or by email at account-help@roku.com.
For more information regarding warning signs of identity theft, how to report identity theft and how to protect yourself, visit USA.gov’s Identity Theft webpage.
RELATED CONTENT
-
Baby Boomers vs Gen X: Who Spends More?Baby Boomers and Gen X are guilty of spending a lot of money. Here's a look at where their money goes.
-
Retire in Finland and Live the Nordic DreamHere's how to retire in Finland as a US retiree. It's ideal for those who value natural beauty, low crime and good healthcare.
-
Baby Boomers vs Gen X: Who Spends More?
Baby Boomers and Gen X are guilty of spending a lot of money. Here's a look at where their money goes.
-
A Financial Expert's Tips for Lending Money to Family and FriendsWhat starts as a lifeline can turn into a minefield if the borrower ghosts the lender. Following these three steps can help you avoid family feuds over funds.
-
The 401(k) Mistake That Could Cost You Millions in Retirement SavingsThinking about reducing your 401(K) contributions in the current market? Here are six reasons why you may want to reconsider.
-
I'm an Insurance Expert: Yes, You Need Life Insurance Even if the Kids Are Grown and the House Is Paid OffLife insurance isn't about you. It's about providing for loved ones and covering expenses after you're gone. Here are five key reasons to have it.
-
7 Rules Frequent Flyers Swear ByFrom dodging long lines to avoiding bad coffee, these clever travel rules can help you save time, stay healthy and reduce stress every time you fly.
-
My Professional Advice: When It Comes to Money, You Do YouThis is how embracing the 'letting others be' and 'learning to surrender' mindsets can improve your relationship with money.
-
Five Smart Moves for Retirement Healthcare: From HSAs to Medigap PoliciesUnchecked health care costs in retirement could blow a hole in your savings. Here’s how to avoid that.
-
The High Price of Skipping Workers' Comp InsuranceTwo labor and employment attorneys highlight the penalties (fines, reputation damage and even jail time) that small businesses risk if they opt not to carry workers' comp insurance.
