Plex Data Breach: What Happened and How to Protect Yourself

Plex, a widely used media streaming platform, has recently experienced a data breach that has affected a subset of its user base, leaving many users worried about their personal information being leaked. 

The breach involved unauthorized access to a database containing customer authentication data, including email addresses, usernames, and securely hashed passwords. 

While Plex has assured users that no credit card information was compromised, it is urging all users to take immediate action to secure their accounts.

When companies keep your private data, they owe you a duty of care to keep it safe. When lax security measures fail, victims can hold these companies accountable. To learn more about your legal options, contact Morgan & Morgan for a free case evaluation.

What Happened?

According to Plex, an unauthorized third party accessed a limited subset of customer data from one of its databases. The compromised information includes email addresses, usernames, and securely hashed passwords. 

Plex has emphasized that any account passwords that may have been accessed were securely hashed, in accordance with best practices, meaning they cannot be read by a third party. 

However, due to the possibility of attackers attempting to crack the hashed passwords, Plex recommends that users reset their passwords as a precautionary measure.

Steps to Protect Your Account

Plex has outlined several steps users should take to secure their accounts:

1. Reset Your Password: Visit https://plex.tv/reset to change your password. During the reset process, ensure you select the option to "Sign out connected devices after password change." This will log you out of all devices using your Plex account, requiring you to sign in again with your new password.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): If you haven't already, enable 2FA on your Plex account. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password.
3. Be Cautious of Phishing Attempts: Following the breach, users may receive phishing emails attempting to exploit the situation. Plex will never ask for your password or payment details via email. Be wary of unsolicited communications and avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing personal information.
   
    

How the Plex Data Breach Can Put Users at Risk

While Plex has stated that no credit card information was compromised, the exposure of email addresses, usernames, and hashed passwords can still pose significant risks. 

Credential Stuffing Attacks – If users reuse the same password across multiple platforms, hackers can attempt to log in to their bank accounts, email, or shopping sites using those stolen credentials.

Password Cracking – Even though the passwords were hashed, determined attackers can try to crack them using brute-force or dictionary attacks, especially if the original password was weak.

Phishing Scams – With access to email addresses, attackers can send convincing phishing emails pretending to be Plex or another service, tricking users into revealing sensitive information.

Social Engineering – Usernames combined with email addresses can help cybercriminals build profiles for identity theft or scams, making phishing and impersonation attempts more effective.

Targeted Attacks – High-profile Plex users (like influencers or professionals using Plex for business media libraries) could be specifically targeted if their accounts are linked to identifiable email addresses.

By taking the recommended steps to secure your account, you can help protect yourself from potential threats.

Were You Affected by the Data Breach? Our Experienced Attorneys Can Help

Data breaches are an unfortunate reality in today's digital landscape, but with the proper investment and attention to online security, they are preventable, and fault for a data breach can lie just as easily on the companies that are hacked as much as the hackers themselves.

While Plex has downplayed the scope of the breach, the reality is that even hashed passwords, usernames, and email addresses in the wrong hands can cause real-world harm. 

If you’ve experienced fraudulent charges, identity theft, or other suspicious activity after this incident, Plex’s security shortcomings may have played a role. Companies that collect and store your personal information have a legal duty to safeguard it, and when they fail, you may have the right to hold them accountable.

At Morgan & Morgan, we’ve stood up for countless victims of corporate negligence and data breaches. If your information was leaked and used against you, don’t bear the burden of someone else’s mistake. Our attorneys can help you pursue justice and compensation.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.