The “golden age” of streaming entertainment and the impact on content protection

The Golden Age of Streaming — the era that the Economist magazine is calling a “$650 Billion Binge” — is just starting. Shows like Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, and Transparent have ushered in a new generation of entertainment marked by its large numbers of international viewers and acclaimed programming. 

More and more it’s shaping up to be a race for market share in an increasingly crowded arena. Not only are consumers finding their viewing experience more fragmented and costly, OTT streaming service operators are experiencing more security challenges.

Illicit access and re-distribution have become easier for hackers, with content readily available for those illegally looking to consume it. Unlike previous closed systems, today’s digital delivery system makes it easier for pirates to steal and re-stream illegal content anywhere in the world, using the same type of infrastructure used by the service providers themselves.