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Smart TVs pose threat to personal security

by MyParisTexas
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Smart TV’s are posing a threat to personal security as warned by the FBI. 

After the release of many new smart televisions and big discounted sales over Black Friday sales recently, the FBI has warned that some brands can be hacked, enabling strangers to spy on you inside your home according to reports.

The FBI Portland Oregon office said in a recent press release, “A number of the newer TV’s also have built-in cameras. In some cases, the cameras are used for facial recognition, so the TV knows who is watching and can suggest programming appropriately. There are also devices coming to market that allow you to video chat with grandma in 42” glory.”

Furthermore, it’s believed that hackers can also take control of your unsecured TV. At the low end of the risk spectrum, they can change channels, play with the volume, and show your kids inappropriate videos. In a worst-case scenario, hackers can turn on your bedroom TV’s camera and microphone, enabling them to cyberstalk you silently.

TVs and technology are a big part of our lives, and they aren’t going away. So how can you protect your family?

  • Know exactly what features your TV has and how to control those features. Do a basic Internet search with your model number and the words “microphone,” “camera,” and “privacy.”
  • Don’t depend on the default security settings. Change passwords if you can – and know how to turn off the microphones, cameras, and collection of personal information if possible. If you can’t turn them off, consider whether you are willing to take the risk of buying that model or using that service.
  • If you can’t turn off a camera but want to, a simple piece of black tape over the camera eye is a back-to-basics option.
  • Check the manufacturer’s ability to update your device with security patches. Can they do this? Have they done it in the past?
  • Check the privacy policy for the TV manufacturer and the streaming services you use. Confirm what data they collect, how they store that data, and what they do with it.

As always, if you have been victimized by cyber fraud, be sure to report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.IC3.gov or call your local FBI office.

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