5 Online Privacy Tips for Heavy Streamers (Simple & Essential)

Streaming is a means used to deliver or access content over the internet without downloading such content. It is one of the quickest ways to access audio and video content over the internet. Streamers need to pay extra attention to securing their online privacy and data as they are often easy targets for hackers and other cybercriminals. Heavy streamers can fall prey to IP address leaks, DDoS, and swarming attacks. When streaming content over a public network, for example, your entire session is visible to intruders and hackers.

Also, heavy streamers are often exposed to streaming ad-ons or content that may go against copyright laws or geo-restrictions. To prevent being monitored or reported by the internet service provider, streamers need to protect their privacy through effective methods. When streaming video content online, your device transfers information to the hosting server, leaving your activity and data open to anyone with access to your connection.

5 Privacy Tips for Streamers

In this article, we’ll discuss five effective online privacy and security tips for streamers.

1. Use a Strong Password and Two-Factor Authentication

Always maintain your streaming account security with strong passwords and two-factor authentication. To create a strong password, use a combination of numbers and special characters. Never use the usual information like names, dates, or birthdays as a password. They are easily identifiable for hackers and a lot of people fall victim to data breaches due to this. Apart from using a strong password, using a two-factor authentication is another way to ensure security. This will make it harder for intruders or hackers to access your account due to the extra layer of security.

2. Do Not Disclose Sensitive Information

If possible, do not use your real name for your streaming accounts. Nicknames or names that cannot be traced to you are better as it becomes harder for hackers to get more sensitive information by identifying names. Apart from names, other identifying personal information like your location, activities, etc. can be gathered by cybercriminals and used illegally. To prevent this, you should always be aware of the information you provide and how your data could be used when streaming. Though it is easy to get close to other streamers, it is better to limit the information you give to them.

3. Do Not Share Information That Can Be Cross-Referenced

Do not provide information that can be cross-referenced to get your real identity. Information such as past activities, educational institutions, or geographical features can be used to determine your location and identity. Hackers can gather information in bits from streaming accounts and other internet accounts and use them for fraudulent or illegal purposes. Doxxing and identity theft are part of the major privacy concerns for heavy streamers. This is why you should be careful of what you share when streaming.

4. Use a Different Email Address

When signing up for a streaming service, it is better to use a different email address instead of your major address. Use an email address that does not contain information such as your real name or what can be traced to your personal or business email accounts.

5. Use a Different Birthday

When streaming content on the internet, your account may be visible to intruders and information such as birth dates is commonly used by cybercriminals for identity theft and doxxing. Birthdates can also be used by hackers to verify your login credentials on other internet accounts. To prevent this, do not use your real birth date when signing up for a streaming service.

A More Secure Browsing Experience

One of the best ways you can protect your online privacy as a streamer is to use a VPN. A Virtual Private Network offers adequate security alongside other benefits. It encrypts internet traffic on a device and reroutes the IP address through the VPN tunnel. This keeps the user’s data safe from prying eyes while hiding their identity and location. When using an unsecured network for streaming, VPNs can help block malware and spyware and also protect the user.

VPNs also grant access to blocked or geo-restricted content on streaming services as they mask the user’s real IP address. There are many VPN services that support streaming as a lot of them have high speed servers, strong encryption protocols, and dedicated servers for streaming. ExpressVPN and NordVPN are reliable options as they provide top-notch services to their users.

ExpressVPN is our top pick for dedicated streamers. This service has over 3000 high-speed servers in 94 countries all over the globe. It offers strong unblocking capabilities, impressive streaming speeds, and great security. ExpressVPN offers HD content streaming with no buffering on various streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. The VPN service also has a no-logging policy which means it does not store data that could compromise the privacy of the user. ExpressVPN is available on all major operating devices and the service supports a maximum of five devices using a single subscription simultaneously.

NordVPN is another great choice for secure streaming. The service has over 5440 servers in 59 countries. It is suitable for use with various streaming services including HBO, DAZN, Hulu, and Netflix. It has a feature known as the SmartPlay technology; this bypasses the restrictions on streaming websites and gives access to local and foreign content. For security, the service uses an AES 256-bit encryption protocol in combo with the Double VPN feature. It also offers other features such as a dedicated IP address.

For users on a budget, ProtonVPN is a good option. The service has four plans, one of which is a free plan which offers limited features. ProtonVPN has a strict no-logs policy and provides adequate security.

Conclusion

Streamers are usually targets for hackers and identity thieves and they use various methods to carry out their illegal activities. To ensure your streaming experience remains fun and safe, it is important to pay enough attention to your privacy and security. Apart from the tips we have mentioned, another way to protect your information online as a streamer is to use a reliable VPN.