How To Avoid The New Netflix Viruses And Malware

Netflix scams are on the rise, so say the security crews at Tripwire and Symantec. How do you avoid such malware? How does your grandmother avoid downloading a virus? The answers are relatively simple, and they begin with sticking to the course. That is, not clicking on any advertisements that promise lower costs and coupons for Netflix-based deals on subscriptions. That's where this newest wave of internet evil is coming from – let your uncle know what's up.

The security group Symantec have found several examples of what they describe as "Malware disguised as Netflix software." There are several ways in which this malware makes its way on to an unsuspecting computer.

Please inform Janice in Accounting.

She's probably already done something wrong.

There is currently no legitimate or safe way to download a Netflix app from a web browser. If you're using Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etcetera, and you see that a Netflix app is being downloaded to your computer, you've done something wrong.

The ONLY places where Netflix apps are available that you, the user, should be clicking or tapping on are the following:

• Apple's iOS App Store

• Google Play Android app store

• Microsoft Store (Apps for Windows)

And even then – you do not need an app on your desktop computer to use Netflix. They put time and effort into creating a web browser-based experience that you'd do well tomato use of. You're not going to get a virus or malware from Netflix.com.

Netflix does not discount their prices with coupons. You will never see a banner ad or offer on the internet that has any legitimate means of getting a Netflix subscription cheaper than it already is.

SEE ALSO: If your password is on this list, you're asking to be hacked

The only sort of deal Netflix does is to give you a certain amount of days for free as a trial of their services. All other offers, deals, and coupons are illegitimate, malicious, and unsafe.

"The malvertising industry is booming and its perpetrators will use any trick they can think of to extend their reach into your computer," said Craig Young, security researcher at Tripwire. "These insidious advertisements often look very convincing even for experienced computer users, but can lead to dire consequences when clicked."

"In this case, users need to remember that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is."

"For example, advertising offering a free or greatly discounted Netflix subscription should raise an eyebrow of incredulity. Most importantly though, installing software on your computer is generally not needed to use Netflix, but of course many people who have not used the service or are less technical will not know this."

Oh my god no. Do not ever update your information via a link in an email. If you see an email and there's a link inside it – actually, any link anywhere on the internet – that leads you to a page that asks you to enter your name and password and god forbid your banking information, DON'T DO IT.

Netflix will never ask you to update your information or enter your bank account information other than the first time you initially sign up at Netflix.com. If you enter this information through a link in an email or through a banner ad, you're being had.

Oh my god never call anyone. If you find yourself on a webpage that says you can get a deal on Netflix – or a page that says anything about YOU needing to call a phone number immediately, DON'T DO IT. EVER.

Never EVER is any service, warning, or anything on the internet going to ask you to call them immediately. For any reason. Every single time you're told to call someone as fast as possible, you're about to be scammed.

Be smart. Don't click ads that promise the impossible. If it seems like a really good deal, it isn't. This goes for more than just Netflix.

Remember that the best "deals" in the world are the ones you've sought out yourself, and Netflix in particular is never, ever discounted.