Your smart tv can be spying on you ?

Your smart tv can be spying on you?

The FBI has warned owners of smart TVs to change the settings on their internet-connected televisions to improve security and ensure that they aren't being spied on.

In a press release agents in Oregon sought to raise awareness of the perils of smart TVs in the home. The agency highlighted the fact that when these TV sets are used straight out of the box. the microphones and cameras they're equipped with can be used by makers to listen in and observe you while you binge-watch Netflix.

It is not just about "smart TV manufacturers and application developers who watch and listen to you". The Feds also stressed that, because it's an online device, smart TVs are vulnerable to hackersThey mentioned that your router could be an easy wallpaper for your insecure TV. And while they may just toy with you by changing channels, they could just as easily cyberstalk you by hacking a smart TV's mics and cameras. The announcement was timed to draw attention to the issue during the Black Friday and Christmas sales. 

How will it affect you?

If you don't own a smart TV or haven't the jury-rigged one using a Chromecast, Firestick or games console then you should have nothing for fear. However, if you do, now might be a good time to take the FBI's advice and lock down your device.

In its press release, the security service offered five tips for "building a digital defense with your TV": 

• find out which features your smart TV has and learn how to control them.
• change all passwords on the device, stick masking tape over the camera if you don't use it.
• check the manufacturer's security updates and read the privacy policies for the TV manufacturer and any streaming sites you use, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime.

What do we think?

All web-enabled devices are open to cyber-attacks, but we're glad to see the FBI is taking the issue seriously not everyone will realize that a smart TV is as vulnerable, if not more so than a laptop. As the agency says: your "television can also be a gateway for hackers to come into your home".

While following the FBI's suggestions may not stop someone snooping on you, it does make it substantially harder and helps you determine if your manufacturer can be trusted with your data and easy access to your TV.