Although watching movies in the cinema on a big screen is fun, it can also be inconvenient. Driving to the theater with your family and paying a premium at the concession stand can feel less inviting than seeing movies in the comfort of your home on your computer or device while eating snacks from the cupboard. And with the novel coronavirus pandemic still not under control, watching movies at home can be safer too without affecting your security and privacy.
But watching movies at home has its challenges too. Visit the wrong entertainment platform, and your computer may get a malware infection. While some malware like adware is simply annoying, others like viruses, worms, spyware, ransomware, and Trojans can negatively impact your computer’s performance and your security and privacy. Moreover, downloading films from certain websites can cause problems with your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Thankfully, some cybersecurity tools can protect your data and also open more entertainment options.
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Download the Right Antivirus Software
Your MacBook, iPhone, or your Windows-powered PC probably has some antivirus software that’s part of the operating system. Unfortunately, your operating system’s security tools just aren’t good enough to stop new malware threats that require proactive antivirus software.
To secure your computer from really nasty malware, you need advanced antivirus protection and can even find free antivirus software that features anti-malware technology. So, before you visit your favorite streaming platform and spend a few minutes closing those annoying popups, secure your computer from the type of malware that tries to spy on you or corrupts your data.
Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
You may have heard that more people use VPNs today than ever before. A significant reason for this trend is that VPNs encrypt our data, leaving it unreadable to hackers. In addition, VPNs mask our location by hiding our IP address and assigning a virtual one. Many people also use VPNs to block their own ISPs from spying on their streaming activity.
Good VPNs can also circumvent geo-blocking technology. Streaming platforms like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and others, use geo-blocking tools to control access. For example, you can’t watch Netflix USA from Canada without a VPN.
But remember to avoid free VPNs as they’re usually overcrowded and turn videos into slideshows. Some VPNs also spy on their users, steal their bandwidth, and can carry malware. Instead, use a top VPN service that’s built on the latest technology, has many servers, and carries a no-logs policy, in order to watch all types of content trouble-free.
Use Legitimate Sources
It’s undoubtedly tempting to use unauthorized sources to watch films and save a few bucks. However, you usually pay for it later with your data. It’s best to use recognized platforms for your video streaming needs to stop malware from stealing your usernames and passwords or your credit card data.
Watching movies is about entertainment. When you take risks to stream videos, you can put yourself and your family at risk. For example, certain types of torrent site spyware infections can use your microphone and camera to snoop on you! So, download top cybersecurity software and use authentic platforms to enjoy your pastime stress-free.
