topic Re: Security Risks with Smart TVs in Community Chat

Security Risks with Smart TVs

cotton4me — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 09:38:44 GMT

Excerpts from an article in the Washington Post.

FBI Warns of Security Risks with Smart TVs

“Smart TVs top many holiday wish lists. But like any Internet-connected device, they can be a convenient portal for hackers, as the FBI’s Portland, Ore., field office pointed out in a warning last week.

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, the agency said.

The FBI offered some suggestions.

Know how to turn off the microphones, cameras, and collection of personal information if possible, the FBI recommended. If you can’t turn them off, consider whether you are willing to take the risk of buying that model or using that service.”

Re: Security Risks with Smart TVs

Nuttmeg — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 10:34:11 GMT

@cotton4me

I read this yesterday. I hope the TV manufacturers address the problem soon.

Re: Security Risks with Smart TVs

Lilysmom — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 10:54:39 GMT

@cotton4me @Nuttmeg this has been nagging at the back of my mind. I see on one of my smart TVs that I am signed in when it turns on. When it comes time to dispose, we will have to ensure that all personal data is removed. I don't see the need for a new tv in my near future and I usually give my tv's to family but security is a concern.

Thanks for posting. It is a good reminder. LM

Re: Security Risks with Smart TVs

SilleeMee — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 14:12:25 GMT

WiFi modems/routers should be reset frequently in order to help prevent security issues. These devices contain within them small amounts of stored data which can be used by outside sources to gain access to the electronics in your environment which are connected to that router. By simply unplugging the router's power cord for a count of 10, you will have reset and removed that unwanted and unnecessary stored data from it. This will keep your wifi safe from most security issues as long as you remember to do it on a regular schedule.

Here are some other things you can do to help secure your router (from Consumer Reports):

https://www.consumerreports.org/video/view/electronics/computers/5847605534001/how-secure-is-your-wifi-router/

Re: Security Risks with Smart TVs

cotton4me — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 14:31:13 GMT

@SilleeMee wrote:
WiFi modems/routers should be reset frequently in order to help prevent security issues. These devices contain within them small amounts of stored data which can be used by outside sources to gain access to the electronics in your environment which are connected to that router. By simply unplugging the router's power cord for a count of 10, you will have reset and removed that unwanted and unnecessary stored data from it. This will keep your wifi safe from most security issues as long as you remember to do it on a regular schedule.

Here are some other things you can do to help secure your router (from Consumer Reports):

https://www.consumerreports.org/video/view/electronics/computers/5847605534001/how-secure-is-your-wifi-router/

@SilleeMee Thank you for posting this information. I hadn't heard about unplugging the router periodically. Good to know. I watched the video too. Very helpful.

We give our tech guy remote access to our computer so he can work on it when needed. It saves us having to take it to his shop. I'm wondering if we should reconsider that.

Re: Security Risks with Smart TVs

SilleeMee — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 14:33:54 GMT

@cotton4me

For me personally, I would never give anyone outside access to my router.

Re: Security Risks with Smart TVs

SilleeMee — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 14:51:56 GMT

By unplugging/plugging your router not only resets (reboots) it. But it also helps restore the internet speed of which you have subscribed to. That unnecessary data which collects over time inside a router not only becomes a security issue, it also slows down your internet speed.

Re: Security Risks with Smart TVs

Desertdi — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 16:36:35 GMT

@SilleeMee wrote:
By unplugging/plugging your router not only resets (reboots) it. But it also helps restore the internet speed of which you have subscribed to. That unnecessary data which collects over time inside a router not only becomes a security issue, it also slows down your internet speed.

Thanks @SilleeMee for the reminder. I "forget" to do this often enough. di

Re: Security Risks with Smart TVs

SeaMaiden — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 16:50:11 GMT

I do not understand. Who has a camera on their TV? Or a microphone? None of my TV's have these.

Re: Security Risks with Smart TVs

Mindy D — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 17:10:20 GMT

@SeaMaiden wrote:
I do not understand. Who has a camera on their TV? Or a microphone? None of my TV's have these.

My Sony has a mike. It can be voice controlled. The mike is external and can be removed if you don’t want to use it,

Re: Security Risks with Smart TVs

Othereeeen — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 17:10:44 GMT

OMG....if there's a camera on the TeeVee in my bedroom, I'm in trouble!!!

But no one else will have to worry....whoever is monitoring it will be dead from boredom.

Seriously...has anyone but ME noticed the obsession with security today...when SO MANY PEOPLE post thier life stories on So Shull Media with impunity????

Cognitive DIssonance.

"I need a 1000 dollar security system to protect me, but I'll spend all day on So Shull Media posting EVERYTHING about myself, my family, my friends, my travel plans, my feelings about my boss at work ( and I wonder why I never get promoted!!!) and my shoe size!!!!

And....I post a photo of my lunchtime bologna sandwich every day!!!!

And sometimes, I post a ridiculous selfie of myself "being afraid" of getting on my Peloton cycle ( after I removed last night's bath towel I hung on it to dry)..so I can get this last bit of blubber (1 oz) off my hips before my husband comes home from his "night out" with his secretary!!!! ( they were going over tax forms.)

Sheeeeeeeeeesh.

Re: Security Risks with Smart TVs

sunshine 919 — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 17:21:21 GMT

@SeaMaiden wrote:
I do not understand. Who has a camera on their TV? Or a microphone? None of my TV's have these.

I do not have those either. I would never have Alexa either. I think the commercial is funny when people come in the house and ask alexa to do everything. Too hi tech and invasive for me. This kind of technology is opening up a whole new can of worms. But this is my opinion.

Re: Security Risks with Smart TVs

sunshine 919 — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 17:25:17 GMT

@Lilysmom wrote:
@cotton4me @Nuttmeg this has been nagging at the back of my mind. I see on one of my smart TVs that I am signed in when it turns on. When it comes time to dispose, we will have to ensure that all personal data is removed. I don't see the need for a new tv in my near future and I usually give my tv's to family but security is a concern.

Thanks for posting. It is a good reminder. LM

Do you think people will still purchase these TV's?

Re: Security Risks with Smart TVs

ValuSkr — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 17:28:58 GMT

It's hard to imagine how smart TV's could invade your privacy or compromise your security. They don't have cameras or microphones - at least, not the ones I've seen. Can anyone explain? Thank you!

Re: Security Risks with Smart TVs

SilleeMee — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 18:04:04 GMT

MOST Smart TVs do not have cameras or microphones. Watch this (from Consumer Reports 101):

"Is Your TV Watching You?"

https://www.consumerreports.org/video/view/electronics/televisions-streaming-media/5998318000001/smart-tvs-is-your-tv-watching-you/

Re: Security Risks with Smart TVs

Marp — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 17:56:00 GMT

@ValuSkr wrote:
It's hard to imagine how smart TV's could invade your privacy or compromise your security. They don't have cameras or microphones - at least, not the ones I've seen. Can anyone explain? Thank you!

@ValuSkr, if you have a smart TV that has voice control there is a built in microphone. As to built in cameras...

Using the Built-in Camera in Samsung F Series SMART TV

Taking photos and recording video is now fun with LG Smart TV built-in camera. Capture your precious moments and enjoy the photos and videos on your Smart LED TV big screen!

Those are just two of the brands I found doing a quick search on the phrase television with built in camera. I'm certain there are more.

Re: Security Risks with Smart TVs

SilleeMee — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 18:06:23 GMT

@Marp

I did not know about those kinds of TVs. Must be relatively new, ey? Anyway, after reading your post I went back and edited my last post and put in "MOST Smart TVs" ...