Beware: Your Smart TV Can Be Hacked!

In a previous post, we discussed that there is a danger that our wonderful smart TVs could be exploited and even hacked. Most of these TV models are actually equipped with cameras, microphones and other data gathering tools/software (i.e., facial recognition capability, etc.) that can be exploited to snoop on a household.

Manufacturers could, in theory, use those tools to gather information on TV watching habits of users which they then can share with content providers (e.g. Netflix, Hulu, etc.) so the same could create suitable content to match prevailing tastes. This may be acceptable if users are given control on what data to provide and/or given the ability to opt in/out at any time. But the problem is that these same tools could be exploited by certain bad actors to gather information or even gain access into a network to implement a much more sinister intent.

Read previous post: Smart TV security and privacy issues – What’s all the fuss about?

As a matter of fact, this possibility has been acknowledged by the FBI themselves as reported in this article by CEPro. A warning was issued saying that, indeed, certain smart TVs could be hacked and could be used as an entry point into an unsecured private/home network. Hackers could find their way through your router so that they can remotely control your smart TVs and at the worst, stalk, watch and listen to you while you are in your home.

Steps to protect yourself

To protect yourself from the intrusions cited above, you need to take to heart a few things about your smart TVs:

You need to be on top of your network’s cyber security. Make sure that you are using an up-to-date router. Old routers need to be replaced by new ones using improved security protocols.

Familiarize yourself with your smart TV’s (and all you other smart devices’) security settings. You need to refer to the manuals to find out how to override the default security settings on all your smart TV and the other devices. Never rely on the default settings and change those passwords to suitably stronger ones.

Turn off the cameras, microphones if you can. Some smart TVs should have this options in the settings. If not, we advise you to not buy it in the first place and to look for a model that allows for turning off these snooping tools. If you’ve already made the mistake of buying a TV that has no on/off toggles for the camera, consider taping over the lens with black tape.

Familiarize yourself with the manufacturers privacy policy insofar as your TV is concerned. Find out what controls are in place for you and the manufacturer. You will want to confirm with them what data they collect and what they do with it in terms of securing your private information. Let your thoughts be heard by the manufacturer if need be!