In search of innovation and convenience, homes, businesses and corporate offices are increasingly equipped with the latest technology.  

Among the devices redefining our daily lives, Smart TVs stand out as multimedia hubs, bringing the world to life at the touch of a button.  

However, along with endless streaming and connectivity possibilities comes a disturbing question: could these same smart TVs open the door to unwanted digital intruders? 

In this article, we'll look at the hidden layers of risk associated with Smart TVs and how they can inadvertently compromise your privacy.  

The prying eyes of Smart TVs 

The convenience of Smart TVs is undeniable.  

With internet access, these devices allow you to watch streaming videos and play video games, and collect data on your activities.  

Through a technology called Automatic Content Recognition (ACR), Smart TVs capture thousands of images per hour to analyze what you are watching and thus target specific ads to your profile. 

Why might your Smart TV be insecure? 

Smart TVs are equipped with cameras and microphones which, although useful, can also be used maliciously if hacked.  

In addition, these devices, like any other Internet-connected device, can be vulnerable to malware attacks and invasions of privacy.  

Even the FBI has issued warnings about the risks associated with Smart TVs, indicating that they can be used both to generate publicity and to facilitate criminal actions.  

ISH recently released findings about vulnerabilities in Smart TVs that affect the webOS operating system. These flaws allow attackers to bypass authorization mechanisms, creating user profiles with elevated privileges and accessing sensitive data.  

More alarmingly, the affected service, which should only operate on local networks, was found exposed on the internet on more than 87,000 devices, including in major Brazilian cities and in countries such as South Korea and the United States. These risks are exacerbated by the specific vulnerabilities identified, such as CVE-2023-6317, which allows an account to be created without the need for a PIN, and CVE-2023-6318, which exploits flaws in command sanitization and could result in malicious executions.  

Signs that your Smart TV may be compromised 

Being aware of certain signs can help you identify whether your Smart TV has been hacked: 

• Unusual activities, such as changing settings, connections or automatic shutdowns; 
• Presence of strange pop-up windows or unauthorized applications; 
• Abnormally slow performance, indicating possible malware activity. 

How to protect your Smart TV? 

The security of your Smart TV is crucial to protect your privacy and avoid potential cyber threats.  

Here are some specific measures you can take to ensure that your Smart TV is a safe entertainment center: 

1. Disable the ACR (Automatic Content Recognition) function 

The ACR function allows your TV to monitor what you watch in order to send this information to servers which, in turn, use this data to target personalized ads.  

While this may improve your user experience, it also increases the amount of personal data collected and potentially exposed.  

Access your Smart TV's privacy settings to disable this function and thus reduce data collection, minimizing your digital footprint in the virtual environment. 

2. Turn off cameras and microphones when not in use 

Many Smart TVs come equipped with built-in cameras and microphones that can be used for voice commands and video calls.  

However, if these resources fall into the wrong hands, they can be used to spy on you and your family.  

To avoid this, physically disable these features when not in use, usually accessible via the system settings or by covering the camera with an appropriate cover. 

3. Use an external streaming device 

If security is a major concern for you, considering using an external streaming device such as Roku, Chromecast or Apple TV could be a good alternative.  

These devices generally don't have cameras or microphones, offering an additional layer of security by eliminating these entry points for potential intruders. 

4. Keep your Smart TV software up to date 

Smart TV manufacturers frequently release software updates that fix known security vulnerabilities.  

By keeping your TV's software up to date, you ensure that the latest security measures are in place, protecting your device against the latest cyber threats.  

Set your TV to update automatically or manually check for updates regularly. 

5. Set a strong password and use a firewall 

Strengthening the security of your home network is essential to protecting all connected devices, including your Smart TV.  

Set up strong, unique passwords for your Wi-Fi network and for the TV itself, if possible.  

In addition, installing a firewall can help monitor and control incoming and outgoing traffic, blocking unauthorized access attempts and ensuring that no sensitive data is sent without your permission. 

By adopting these practices, you not only increase the security of your Smart TV, but also contribute to the overall security of your digital home, protecting yourself against possible threats and ensuring a safer and more private online experience. 

Use technology to your advantage  

While Smart TVs bring a host of features that enrich our entertainment experience, it's crucial to be aware of the privacy risks they can pose. By taking proactive measures to protect your devices, you can enjoy the conveniences of modern technology without compromising your personal security.  

Remember, the security of your Smart TV is an essential component in guaranteeing privacy and protection within your digital home. 

For more cyber security tips, contact ISH's team of experts.