Cartesian releases report How Consumers Access Streaming Video: The Risks of Credential Sharing
December 20, 2018
Video and Broadcasting
News
Cartesian's survey report, How Consumers Access Streaming Video: The Risks of Credential Sharing, references findings from recent consumer research to highlight growing content security concerns for content owners and service providers.
--
Credential sharing is costing video providers millions in lost revenue New research from Cartesian shows streaming video providers miss out on subscribers by ignoring credential sharing Boston, USA 20 December 2018 What has been an effective strategy for OTT video providers to win new subscribers appears to be backfiring. New research by specialist consulting firm, Cartesian, reveals that 27% of consumers access streaming video content using account credentials borrowed or stolen from someone they don't live with.
In our work with streaming video providers, we make the distinction between credential sharing within the household and outside of it , says Sam Kornstein, VP of Strategy and Analytics at Cartesian. These behaviors are seen differently by providers and consumers, and providers increasingly have reason to be concerned.
Sharing within a household is normally allowed within subscription contracts; but, sharing outside of a household is not. And yet 42% of those who use someone else's password to access a streaming video service indicate they would be willing to pay for the content if it wasn't easily accessible.
So why do consumers engage in credential sharing? Over half (56%) of the respondents that use someone else's credentials to access a streaming video service state they already pay enough for content a worrying figure in the wake of new streaming services entering the market in the US and across the world.
Or rather, is it that streaming video providers make it too easy? In the survey, three out of ten (27%) people use someone else's credentials say the main reason they do so is because it's easy and convenient . Others say it's simply because the content they want is not available on services they already pay for.
In the report, How Consumers Access Streaming Video: The Risks of Credential Sharing , Cartesian defines illegitimate credential sharing as sharing account access details [i.e. user ID and password] with someone outside of the household for which the subscription was purchased .
The company also categorizes the three main types of sharing as 1) Family & Friends, 2) Extended Network, and 3) Theft. Sharing with friends and family often leads to credentials being circulated across an extended network, which in rare cases can then result in theft. In Cartesian's survey, credential sharers name close friends (29%) and non-household relatives (39%) as sources for account credentials.
In addition to lost revenue, the report outlines other risks associated with uncontrolled credential sharing including higher costs, breaking content licensing agreements, and customer data security breaches. The latter is of increasing concern to companies with the threat of hefty penalties if security measures are found to be lacking.
Cartesian outlines their solution which uses data science, machine learning and behavioral analysis to detect, prevent and stop unwanted credential sharing, while allowing operators to continue to provide a rich customer experience.
Our streaming video credential sharing and prevention solution uses the full scope of viewing data that streaming video services already collect to identify which accounts are engaged in credential sharing or theft, and to take sensible steps to prevent this behavior. You need to analyze nuanced patterns to determine whether complex usage behaviors are actually legitimate use or rather credential sharing, says Kornstein. We are constantly updating our platform with the latest data science methods to keep our clients ahead.
Cartesian surveyed 1,183 American consumers in November 2018 that represent a cross-range of ages and households on how they access streaming video, and the drivers behind credential sharing.
About Cartesian, Inc.
Cartesian, Inc. is a specialist provider of consulting services and managed solutions to leaders in the global communications, technology and digital media industries.
With over 25 years of experience assessing and delivering solutions for the media and entertainment sector, we offer a holistic approach to content security. Cartesian's content security services include anti-piracy services, security consulting, the Farncombe Security Audit , and streaming video credential sharing detection and prevention services.
Cartesian's Streaming Video Credential Sharing Detection & Prevention Solution:
Integrates with existing TV Everywhere and OTT platforms.
Screens for all relevant credential sharing and theft patterns, leveraging proprietary and industry-leading clustering and geospatial dispersion algorithms.
Provides lists of accounts that have been compromised and an ongoing platform-wide health check.
Cartesian's clients include TV broadcasters, video service providers, equipment vendors, and network operators. The company has offices in Boston, Kansas City, London, New York and Paris.
Most recent headlines
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
04/08/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...
04/07/2026
April 7 2026, 19:00 (PDT) Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway Opens in...
01/06/2026
January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026
Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...
06/05/2026
Polands Miecznik-class frigates are part of the largest contract in Polish shipbuilding history. (Image Credit: PGZ Stocznia Wojenna)...
06/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
06/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
06/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
06/05/2026
Riedel Communications today announced the expansion of its leadership structure as part of a strategic initiative to strengthen both its operational management ...
06/05/2026
For nearly three decades, Veteran Production Sound Mixer and Five-time Emmy Award Winner Dirk Sciarrotta has helped define the sonic identity of the long-runnin...
06/05/2026
ZEISS CinCraft LensCore: Cinema Lens Looks for Compositing
Brie Clayton May 6, 2026
0 Comments
ZEISS announces the launch of CinCraft LensCore, a nove...
06/05/2026
Wisycom Solves Extreme RF Challenges Across Miles of Live Action for Gravity Med...
06/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
06/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
06/05/2026
Narrative Entertainment has partnered with Encompass to deliver high-quality subtitling of its Great! network content using the Altitude Intelligence AI assiste...
06/05/2026
SipRadius, widely recognized for making content processing and connectivity secure and seamless, is proud to launch a dramatic new approach to AI content creati...
06/05/2026
When the broadband and media industry gathers at ANGA COM in Cologne from May 19 to 21, Big Blue Marble will be at the forefront. The international broadcast an...
06/05/2026
Cinegy GmbH, a leading developer of software-defined television technology, is proud to exhibit at MPTS for the first time. Visitors to the stand will discover ...
06/05/2026
Val Jeanty Receives 2026 Doris Duke Artist Award Jeanty, a composer, percussionist, and turntablist, is the fourth Berklee recipient of the prestigious award ...
06/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
06/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
06/05/2026
When live cycling races and international marathons stretch for miles across cities and countryside, there is no margin for RF failure in live broadcast. As Chi...
06/05/2026
Oberkochen/Germany, May 5, 2026
ZEISS announces the launch of CinCraft LensCore, a novel solution for creating physically based cinematic lens looks for visual...
06/05/2026
SAN JOSE, Calif. - May 6, 2026 - Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT) today announced its latest broadband innovations for ANGA COM 2026, highlighting its vision for a new e...
06/05/2026
Statement from Rupert Murdoch, Chairman Emeritus, Fox Corporation on Ted Turner&...
06/05/2026
Friday 8 May on RT One and RT Player
Meet the NSPCA team caring for and protecting animals in need in this six-part series
Fly on the wall, six-part series...
06/05/2026
The race to build the world's most powerful AI factories demands networking ...
06/05/2026
How changes to proteins can alter drug interactions for new precision therapies Scripps Research team maps how chemical modifications to proteins affect drug bi...
05/05/2026
Experts from the world of academia, tech, business, politics and media convened for a Thomson Talks at the Cambridge Disinformation Summit in April. It's th...
05/05/2026
Three phones were hardwired for power and transmission to the truck; camera feat...
05/05/2026
The creative studio behind campaigns for the NBA, Fanatics Sportsbook & Casino, ...
05/05/2026
Nielsen has announced results from a co-viewing pilot program covering February&...
05/05/2026
viztrick AiDi, an on-device AI solution developed by Nippon TV, delivered global...
05/05/2026
ARRI has announced Omnibar, a battery-powered, IP65-rated multi-color LED linear...
05/05/2026
Imagine Communications has announced that France T l visions is the first broadc...
05/05/2026
The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and Bell Media today announced a multiyear agreement to broadcast and stream WNBA games in Canada beginni...
05/05/2026
SVG is proud to announce Warner Bros. Discovery's Techwood Studios in Atlant...
05/05/2026
With no operator required, AutoMic workflow automates talent identification on U...
05/05/2026
A crash in 2015 set the industry back, but this winter proved that drones are he...
05/05/2026
Another year, and more proof that Asia continues to shape some of the world's most exciting new sounds. This year's RADAR artists draw from deep local r...
05/05/2026
The Austin City Limits Music Fest 2026 lineup just dropped, and this year, Spoti...
05/05/2026
New drum machine book campaign incoming
Bjooks have announced that during Superbooth 2026, they will be launching a Kickstarter campaign to fund the product...
05/05/2026
Flagship all-in-one production bundle updated
The latest version of Native Instruments' flagship virtual instrument and plug-in bundle has just been ann...
05/05/2026
Rohde & Schwarz to host RF Testing Innovations Forum 2026, helping design engine...
05/05/2026
L3Harris provides communications, electronic warfare, sensors and mission systems that enable Virginia-class submarine crews to operate with confidence in conte...
05/05/2026
The company grew by 7.6% in net revenue and 16.3% in EBITDA, achieving a 33% inc...
05/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
05/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
05/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
Cartesian releases report How Consumers Access Streaming Video: The Risks of Credential Sharing 
