Netflix’ Security Breach

Netflix has banned all VPN and opened up my computer to Ivan the Hacker in the hotel room next door.

I’m writing this from a hotel room in Berlin. And what better to do in Berlin than to watch a good movie. And Netflix to the rescue, not! Seems I have to turn off my VPN and open up my computer to everyone listening on the network.

I can hear Ivan’s fingers wandering the keyboard in the room next door. He has his Wireshark in full on watch mode, just waiting. Like a shark. Hence the name.

Netflix is pretty open about this issue on their help page:

Because there is no reliable way for us to determine if a VPN or proxy is being used for legitimate purposes, any VPN or proxy use will prevent you from streaming Netflix. Please disable any VPN or proxy and try Netflix again. Netflix Help

But this isn’t like having sex without a condom, with an added pleasure bonus. How can I enjoy this romantic Meg Ryan flick thinking about Russian hackers sneaking in behind the movie curtain? Or even worse: Will everyone now know that I saw this cheeky Meg Ryan Movie?

I talked to Danielle on the Netflix chat about all of this.

You have a point, I’m also a customer and I’m very concerned about my sensitive information being accessed by someone else. But actually because we do not allow this VPN/Proxys for security, Netflix is currently using a secure protocol to protect that information so you can be pretty sure that no one will be able to find a security breach anywhere! I will absolutely, and gladly take this to my supervisors, I’m submitting your thoughts on this as we speak. Danielle from Netflix

I can be pretty sure that no one will find a security breach then. Hmm… Not sure that put a whole brick wall of confidence in me, but I gotta go … I have a Meg Ryan movie to watch.