MCMC working with police on ‘Netflix murah’ syndicate claim

A check by the Malaysian Cyber Consumer Association has revealed that scores of Netflix accounts could have been exposed to hacking. (Bloomberg pic)

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is cooperating with the police and Netflix over the purported existence of syndicates selling usernames and passwords for hacked Netflix accounts at a fraction of the monthly subscription fee.

“MCMC has already engaged with Netflix on the matter and will provide necessary advice to Netflix and technical assistance to the police as and when required,” an MCMC spokesman told FMT.

This follows a check by the Malaysian Cyber Consumer Association (MCCA) which revealed that scores of Netflix accounts could have been exposed to hacking.

MCCA president Siraj Jalil said these illegal users likely bought the usernames and passwords through syndicates operating on social media.

Netflix previously told FMT it was investigating the claim.

Netflix, which made its debut in Malaysia in early 2016, is available under three plans ranging between RM33 and RM51 a month depending on video quality options and the number of devices.

“Illegal Netflix accounts” meanwhile are available under three plans – RM10, RM18 or RM30 – one seller told FMT. They are also known as “Netflix murah” on Facebook groups where they are advertised.

None of the options requires a contract or credit card, neither can the accounts be auto-renewed on a monthly basis.

Additional fees are required to ensure continuous “subscription”, even if the password for the account being hacked is changed. Should this happen, a new login will be provided.

The MCMC spokesman urged users suspicious of someone using their accounts without permission to check for signs of unauthorised activity such as recent viewing activity or device streaming activity.

Alternatively, users can contact Netflix through the Netflix app or from any phone and via live chat as well as access the multiple help pages on Netflix’s website, it said.

“The public are also advised to exercise vigilance and avoid buying products or services that are suspected to be linked with any suspicious activities,” the spokesman added. - FMT