The FBI has revealed that smart TVs can be used to spy on people

The FBI has issued a spine-chilling warning over the scope of smart TVs, it has been revealed.

Smart TVs, while often hailed for their convenience and streaming shows, contained inherent cybersecurity risks, according to the FBI. 

The Bureau has emphasised that manufacturers often prioritise ease of use over robust security measures, leaving smart TVs susceptible to various cyber threats.

One key concern highlighted by the FBI is the potential for manufacturers and app developers to monitor users through these devices. Moreover, unsecured smart TVs can serve as gateways for hackers to enter users’ homes, exploiting vulnerabilities in the device’s software to gain unauthorised access.

Recent investigations have revealed vulnerabilities in smart TVs, making them prime targets for hackers. From taking control of your device to the ultimate violation of turning on your bedroom TV’s camera and microphone, these revelations are chilling.

While attacks on smart TVs remain rare, the irregularity of security updates from manufacturers puts your digital life at risk. And if you think that’s the end of your worries, think again.

The rabbit hole goes deeper. Some of the biggest players in the smart TV market, including tech giants Samsung and LG, are collecting mountains of data about your viewing habits. It’s all in the name of “improving” targeted advertising and suggesting what you should watch next. But at what cost to your privacy?

On its website, the FBI wrote: “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.

To protect yourself in this brave new world of digital surveillance, the FBI offers some unconventional advice: grab that roll of black tape and cover your TV’s camera. It might seem like a throwback to Cold War spy movies, but in the age of smart TVs, it’s a simple yet effective solution to thwart prying eyes.

To protect against these risks, the FBI recommends several measures for smart TV owners:

• Educate Yourself: Familiarise yourself with your device’s security settings to better understand and enhance its protection.
• Change Default Passwords: Modify default network passwords set by manufacturers to create a more secure environment.
• Camera and Microphone Controls: Learn how to enable and disable microphones and cameras on your smart TV when not in use.
• Physical Covering: If your smart TV doesn’t allow for camera disabling, consider placing black tape over the camera lens as a basic solution to prevent unauthorised access.
• Stay Updated: Keep your smart TV up-to-date with the latest security patches and firmware updates to mitigate vulnerabilities.
• Review Privacy Policies: Take the time to read and understand the privacy policies of your smart TV to be aware of the data it may collect.

So, as you hunt for holiday deals on these seemingly harmless TVs, remember, not everything is as it seems. The truth might just be lurking behind the screen, waiting to be uncovered. Is your smart TV watching you? It’s a question that could change the way you view your entertainment forever.

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