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The entertainment industry has become a prime target for hackers because film and media can be a hot commodity, especially if the content has yet to be released to the public. Film and media industry cyberattacks can be in the form of threats, stealing of scripts, leaking unaired episodes and sensitive information, and hacking subscribers. A new report confirms how 110 million Netflix subscribers became victims of email fraud. After this Netflix attack, the criminals successfully stole the victims’ credit card information.

Film and Media Industry Cyberattacks in the News

One might wonder why these cyber attacks occur and how often companies and clients lose money from successful data theft. It affects the businesses in the industry as it does the viewer. Several media houses have reported the theft of content and even ransom demands. Here are a few highlights from the real world:

• HBO Troubles: HBO has been a victim of cyberattacks a few times now. There have been reports of hackers getting away with 1.5 terabytes of data, including scripts. An unreleased episode of the hit show “Game of Thrones” was available on illegal websites in another incident.

• Netflix Hacking: In addition to user accounts becoming targets for bankcard information theft, Netflix has had to deal with the theft of its original shows, such as “Orange Is the New Black.” The show faced a malicious cyberattack when ten unaired episodes appeared online.

• Steam Confessions: One of the largest online video gaming platforms was in the news for self-admitting how seventy-seven thousand accounts of games on the platform are victims of hacking every month. Presumably, the company lacks a comprehensive cyber security

Film and media industry compliance codes for preventing cyberattacks

Intellectual and personal data security awareness has risen sharply since the attacks on multimillion-dollar franchises, such as HBO and Netflix. The data these companies store can be worth millions of dollars; its protection is an absolute necessity for their business.

Adopting the following industry standards can help this industry protect its vital, sensitive information. Depending on the nature of your film and media organization, the following standards may be required for compliance:

• ISO/IEC 27032: It’s an international standard meant to provide “cybersecurity,” also known as “cyberspace security,” which is defined as the protection of data privacy, integrity and accessibility in cyberspace. The framework can effectively ensure security because it is open and flexible for global applications. It aims to protect sensitive data and all associated stakeholders.

• ITSG-33 Publication: It’s a publication that offers several pointers, such as security control, auditing, monitoring and risk management. Because the types of film and media cyber attacks vary, the inclusive nature of ITSG-33 may be a good fit.

• The CIS Controls comprise a specific eight-feature regulation that focuses on several problems such as inventory, control, protection, security and management of all assets. Critical Security Controls, or CIS, must become an industry standard for film and media houses to minimize cyberattacks.

The Need for a Strong Security Posture

The ever-expanding film and media industry draws all viewers and gamers and has a lot riding on their multimillion-dollar productions. It is, therefore, no surprise that the industry also attracts many cybercriminals. To prevent film and media industry cyberattacks, establishing unassailable cybersecurity standards and regulations is necessary.

Contact Packetlabs for more information on how a penetration test can support your compliance needs and protect your film and media assets.