Cyber Monday shoppers beware: There are new cybersecurity warnings about smart TVs. The FBI says these television sets, which connect to the internet, are vulnerable to hackers. The camera and microphone on many smart TVs also can enable hackers to listen in.
The FBI’s field office in Portland, Ore., posted a warning on its website about the risks. “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,” the warning says. “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.”
This year, Google’s Chromecast was hacked, and videos were broadcast to thousands of users without their consent. The FBI recommends placing black tape over an unused smart TV camera and keeping software up to date with any security patches.
Source: “Now Even the FBI Is Warning About Your Smart TV’s Security,” Tech Crunch (Dec. 1, 2019)
