: News server administrators should store Usenet password lists securely, using encryption and access controls to protect user data.
While you can create your own, many users rely on existing, community-curated lists.
Combine that with your own (paid) username and password, and you have a connection that is:
Copyright holders use automated bots to scan Usenet for copyrighted content. Password-protecting archives hides the content from these bots, making it harder for them to send DMCA takedown requests.