Plex Data Breach: How to Secure Your Account and Server Right Now
If you use Plex to manage your personal media library, it’s time to take immediate action to secure your account. The company has disclosed a security incident where a third party gained unauthorized access to internal systems, potentially exposing user data.
While the situation is serious, understanding the specifics can help you protect yourself effectively. Here’s a clear breakdown of what happened, what data was affected, and the crucial steps you need to take to safeguard your account and media server.
Understanding the Security Incident
According to the investigation, a malicious actor was able to access a limited subset of user data. This includes usernames, email addresses, and passwords.
It’s important to note two key details:
- Passwords were not stored in plain text. The compromised passwords were “hashed and salted,” a strong cryptographic method designed to make them very difficult to crack. However, out of an abundance of caution, they should be considered at risk.
- Financial information was not affected. Plex has confirmed that no credit card details or other payment data were accessed or compromised during this incident, as that information is not stored on their systems.
Plex has already addressed the vulnerability that led to the breach, but your proactive involvement is essential to ensure your account remains secure.
Your 4-Step Security Checklist
To protect your account, follow these steps immediately. Plex is forcing a password reset for all users, but it’s best to be proactive and take control of your security settings now.
1. Reset Your Password Immediately
This is the most critical first step. Even with strong hashing, a password reset is mandatory.
- Log in to your Plex account and navigate to your account settings.
- Create a new, strong, and unique password. Avoid reusing passwords from other websites or services. A password manager is highly recommended for generating and storing complex passwords.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to enable this powerful security feature. Two-factor authentication is one of the single most effective ways to protect your account from unauthorized access, even if someone manages to get your password. It requires a second verification step, usually a code from an app on your phone, before allowing a login.
You can find the option to enable 2FA in your Plex account security settings.
3. Update Your Plex Media Server
Keeping your server software up-to-date is crucial for security. Updates often contain vital patches for vulnerabilities that could otherwise be exploited. Ensure you are running the latest version of the Plex Media Server on your computer or NAS device. We recommend enabling automatic updates if the option is available.
4. Sign Out of All Devices
After changing your password and enabling 2FA, it’s a good security practice to invalidate all old login sessions. In your Plex account settings, you can find an option under “Authorized Devices” to sign out of all connected devices. This will force every app, web browser, and streaming device to re-authenticate with your new, secure credentials.
Broader Security Best Practices
This incident is a valuable reminder of the importance of digital security hygiene:
- Beware of Phishing: Be extra vigilant about emails claiming to be from Plex. Scammers often use data breaches to launch convincing phishing campaigns. Never click on suspicious links or provide your login details in an email. Always go directly to the official Plex website to log in.
- Use Unique Passwords Everywhere: If you used your old Plex password on any other online service, change it on those sites immediately. A breach on one site can lead to attackers trying the same credentials on other popular services.
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on official communications from Plex for any further updates or recommendations.
While news of a data breach is always concerning, taking these decisive, proactive steps is the best way to secure your account and ensure your personal media library remains protected.
Source: https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2025/09/09/plex-tells-users-to-change-passwords-due-to-data-breach-pushes-server-owners-to-upgrade/
