Like all things that are connected to the Internet, your shiny, high-tech flat screen is also subject to possible security vulnerabilities which every owner needs to be aware of.
For starters, these amazing home entertainment devices are designed to capture data from its users. They are programmed to obtain information on your TV-watching habits and then pass those on back to the manufacturers or the content providers who are hungry for these information as they need them to know more about viewing trends and habits. As you may imagine, these would be quite invaluable to content providers as they give them data to help them keep track of subscriber trends and overall/specific demand for content to attract new subscribers and help keep existing ones. While this may not be viewed as a security issue per se, it should be considered as a privacy concern which all users need to be aware of.
Watch below a short video regarding your smart TV’s data collecting capability by Consumer Reports.
As suggested in the above video, you may be able to reduce your exposure or prevent your television from collecting too much of your viewing info by simply turning off the capability in the settings. Each brand and make will have different way to turn this function off so please refer to your model’s manual or call the manufacturer’s hotline to learn how to do this.
Furthermore, note that some models (like the one discussed in this Wall Street Journal report) even have the ability to capture voice data from its voice command/recognition features. You will need to make sure you review the privacy policy for such models so you can make sure you are aware about your privacy vulnerabilities.
Can Smart TVs be hacked?
The Simple answer is Yes.
Since these devices use operating systems (e.g. Android, etc.) that enable them to connect to the Internet, skillful hackers can take advantage of the vulnerabilities of those systems. Watch below another report by Consumer Reports on the possible horrors of hacked Smart TVs.
Watch the following video:
Can you protect your TV from hacking? Yes, you can reduce the risk by taking simple precautionary steps. First, you need to make sure that your OS is always updated to the latest available version and periodically apply software patches where applicable. You will need to refer to your device’s manual to guide you how to do this. Second, you should turn off and unplug the TV when not in use. Third, always be mindful of how your TV is behaving. If you see signs that someone may be remotely controlling your TV, make sure to turn it off and ask for technical help from experts immediately.
If your Smart TV is equipped with a built in camera, you might want to cover the lens with tape when you are not using it. This technically does not solve any hacking per se but it gives piece of mind that hackers will not be able to get images of you without your knowledge.
Should you be worried?
We currently don’t see any reports of hacks that resulted in serious break of privacy and security but it doesn’t mean it is not a possibility. Currently the worst case scenario seems to be hackers gaining remote access to the TVs settings and functions but it doesn’t mean we should take this lightly. So we believe the answer to that is yes, an ounce of vigilance is necessary and it is advised that we all take the simple precautionary steps mentioned in this article to protect our privacy and keep the hackers off of our beloved flat screens!
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