Is YouKu Safe? The Shocking Discovery!

I’m sure you’re asking: Is YouKu safe to use?  As a leading Chinese video streaming service, it provides vast attention-grabbing content.

However, growing concern about user safety and privacy comes with its increasing popularity. As you know, China’s censorship and mass online surveillance are partly to blame.

Additionally, most free streaming sites employ malicious techniques to generate revenue. Some include malvertising, data harvesting, and the distribution of harmful software.

So, today, I’ll address all your concerns about YouKu’s safety. Without further ado, let’s get started.

What is YouKu?

Youku is a popular video streaming service based in Beijing, China. Founded in 2006 by Victor Koo, it operates under tech behemoth Alibaba Group.

The platform offers a variety of content, including movies, TV shows, and user-generated videos. As of 2024, it boasted over 400 million monthly active users.

About 90% of YouKu’s revenues come from selling YouTube-style ads to viewers. Still, it offers premium subscriptions to users who prefer an ad-free experience.   

The question remains…

Is YouKu safe?

I had to run several checks to determine whether YouKu is safe for users. The process comprised employing tools like VirusTotal, Malwarebytes, and Malcure. 

The results? Surprising!

1. VirusTotal check

VirusTotal is a free online service that analyzes files and URLs for malware. It aggregates results from multiple antivirus engines to detect potential threats.

Running it on YouKu reveals nothing alarming from 60+ checks. The databases of reference include BitDefender, Fortinet, Google Safebrowsing, and more.

2. Malwarebytes Browser Guard check

This is a free browser extension designed to enhance online security. It uses Malwarebytes’ antivirus engine to block malware, viruses, trackers, and others.

The tool stops around 95 scripts for tracking and advertising purposes. You can easily stop them using reliable ad blockers on the market.

3. Sucuri and Malcure checks

I ran the final checks using dedicated website security tools comprising Sucuri and Malcure. The first one generated positive results, and everything looked good.

Sucuri:

Malcure:

However, Malcure flagged the platform for hosting suspicious malware. Known as the YLEC1K, it can hijack and redirect your connection to phony sites.

Additionally, it can steal passwords, serve harmful ads, and harvest data. But this is likely a false flag.

Here’s why:

First discovered in 2020, the malware is pretty common nowadays. If detected, browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, and Opera can block a website.

Since YouKu is accessible via those browsers, it’s safe to say it’s secure. Still in doubt?

Use a VPN

Using a VPN encrypts your internet traffic, preventing unauthorized access to your data. It also masks your IP address, enhancing your privacy while browsing websites.

Some VPNs, like NordVPN, can block dangerous downloads, harmful files, suspicious trackers, etc. Below are the top three secure options on the market:

• NordVPN: This vendor offers enterprise-level online security for secure web browsing. Additionally, it boasts the fastest streaming and download speeds in the industry.
• ExpressVPN: It offers top-tier AES-256 encryption and TrustedServer technology to shield your data. The service is fast and regularly undergoes independent audits to solidify its safety. 
• Private Internet Access (PIA): This provider upholds a strict no-logs policy to keep your browsing private. Moreover, it can block suspicious sites, malware, and harmful trackers.

A VPN is also ideal for unblocking YouKu in unsupported countries. It spoofs your location, allowing you to access the platform undercover. 

Verdict – Is YouKu Safe?

YouKu appears to be safe based on the security checks I conducted. All tests returned clean results except for Malcure’s false flag.

Additionally, the platform’s accessibility through reputable browsers affirms its credibility and security. However, you can toss in a VPN if you’re still in doubt.

The recommended VPNs effectively block harmful online scripts across websites and apps. That way, you can enjoy your favorite content on YouKu worry-free.