"Beyond the risk that your TV manufacturer and app developers may be listening and watching you, that television can also be a gateway for hackers to come into your home. A bad cyber actor may not be able to access your locked-down computer directly, but it is possible that your unsecured TV can give him or her an easy way in the backdoor through your router," wrote the FBI."The FBI warned that hackers can take control of your unsecured smart TV and in worst cases, take control of the camera and microphone to watch and listen in.
Beyond the risk that your TV manufacturer and app developers may be listening and watching you, that television can also be a gateway for hackers to come into your home. A bad cyber actor may not be able to access your locked-down computer directly, but it is possible that your unsecured TV can give him or her an easy way in the backdoor through your router.
Hackers can also take control of your unsecured TV. At the low end of the risk spectrum, they can change channels, play with the volume, and show your kids inappropriate videos. In a worst-case scenario, they can turn on your bedroom TV's camera and microphone and silently cyberstalk you.
TVs and technology are a big part of our lives, and they aren’t going away. So how can you protect your family?Know exactly what features your TV has and how to control those features. Do a basic Internet search with your model number and the words “microphone,” “camera,” and “privacy.”Don’t depend on the default security settings. Change passwords if you can – and know how to turn off the microphones, cameras, and collection of personal information if possible. If you can’t turn them off, consider whether you are willing to take the risk of buying that model or using that service.If you can’t turn off a camera but want to, a simple piece of black tape over the camera eye is a back-to-basics option.Check the manufacturer’s ability to update your device with security patches. Can they do this? Have they done it in the past?Check the privacy policy for the TV manufacturer and the streaming services you use. Confirm what data they collect, how they store that data, and what they do with it.As always, if you have been victimized by a cyber fraud, be sure to report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.IC3.gov or call your local FBI office.
Speaking of people giving out information freely..Just look at social media.. People put their personal details, trips, house details, car details, everything.Everything is available online now as a result. lol.
Is it even possible to buy a really good-performing "dumb" TV these days?
I just bought a 75" Samsung Q80R. TV's have come a long way. Surprised at everything this TV can do. I was used to searching for a show on Netflix or Prime. Heck with this TV, you do a search and it searches on all of the APPS.
Nope. Unless you consider a projector for your TV...they are still pretty dumb
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