Stolen Netflix passwords can be bought for 25 cents on the black market, Symantec warns

File photo - The Netflix logo is is shown on an ipad in Encinitas, California, April 19,2013.(REUTERS/Mike Blake)

Security specialist Symantec warns of an emerging black market for stolen Netflix passwords, which can be bought for as little as 25 cents.

Netflix’s success has attracted the attention of hackers, explained Symantec’s Threat Intelligence Officer Lionel Payet in a blog post Thursday. “We have observed malware and phishing campaigns targeting Netflix users’ information,” he wrote. “The details are then added to a growing black market that claims to provide cheaper access to the service.”

From accessing users’ banking information through malware that uses malicious files posing as Netflix to stealing login details via phishing, hackers are targeting customers of the popular streaming service.

“In these phishing campaigns, attackers redirect users to a fake Netflix website to trick users into providing their login credentials, personal information, and payment cards details,” wrote Payet.

Symantec cited, in particular, a phishing campaign on Jan. 21 that targeted Danish users. “The phishing email tried to trick users into believing that their Netflix account needed to be updated, as there was an issue with their monthly payment,” explained Payet.

Set against this backdrop, an “underground economy” has emerged where passwords can be bought for 25 cents, according to Symantec.

“Another offering includes Netflix account generators,” wrote Payet, noting that the accounts generated through the tools may come from stolen Netflix subscriptions or payment card details. “The generators’ creators regularly update their databases with new accounts and disable ones that don’t work anymore,” he added.

Symantec advises users to only download the Netflix application from official sources. “Additionally, users should not take advantage of services that appear to offer Netflix for free or a reduced price, as they may contain malicious files or steal data,” wrote Payet.

Netflix has not yet responded to a request for comment on this story from FoxNews.com.