While not as frequent as attacks on computers, mobile phones, and tablets, it’s also possible for someone to try to hack into your TV, and it doesn’t always have to be over the smart TV’s internet connection. Thus, it is possible for hackers to access your personal information by exploiting vulnerabilities in your television, spying on some devices via built-in microphones and cameras, and even take control of the device. How can they attack your TV and what can you do to fix it?

Attacking (hijacking) your WiFi network

If your TV is connected to your home internet, it is vulnerable to hacking using tools such as keyloggers or packet sniffers. They have the password to your WiFi and from here to your TV..

To prevent unauthorized access, make sure that security protocols such as WPA2-PSK are enabled on your router and that all your devices are up to date.

attacking your bluetooth (bluejacking)

It is common for most modern televisions to come with it. integrated bluetoothmakes them susceptible to hijacking this wireless connection.

This method works by sending malicious code via the TV’s Bluetooth signal to gain access to the device. When the code is received, Control the TV and access its stored data. Turning off Bluetooth when not in use can be a good option to minimize risks.

Software vulnerabilities

Like computers, mobile phones, and tablets, smart TVs work with certain software; this is done using methods hackers use in other environments attack their weak points.

Also, if the operating system is outdated, it will be much easier to find bugs that will attack your television. In this sense, update your TV every time there is a new version. Here’s how to do this for a model with Android TV or Google TV, Tizen from Samsung, or WebOS from LG.

Malicious apps

Smart TVs are designed to run streaming services like Netflix or Disney+, in addition to other apps. Problem? As with phones and tablets, malicious apps or simply and simply not what they claim to exploit the vulnerabilities of your television’s operating system after installing them. So they can use these apps to collect personal data, access private networks and even control your TV.

As with other devices, we recommend downloading apps only from trusted repositories, listening to reviews, and checking out the development team behind them. It’s also important to keep your TV up to date.

intermediate attacks

Intermediate attacks, hackers cut off communication between two partiesso they can access the data by capturing the packets of information between the television and its target.

An example can be monitor traffic between your smart TV and a streaming service, access your credentials. Considering that the attack took place outside of your device and network, it is difficult for us to take action to protect ourselves.

Misconfigured TV settings

A time when setting up a TV is little more than searching and saving channels. In this sense, to learn how to configure your television properly, you need to take a look at the manual and if there are additional security measures.

A good measure to avoid unpleasantness consists of: disable features like remote access.

Integrated cameras and microphones

Some smart TV models have built-in cameras and microphones (for example, to access the voice assistant), attackers access audio and video recording.

It is recommended not to violate your privacy disable these features. That said, it’s not a bad option to bet on the classic yet reliable piece of paper to cover the camera when you’re not using it as an extra measure of protection.

hardware attacks

While software attacks are more common, they can also use hardware attacks to gain access to your smart TV. One of the most popular tools for doing this is JTAG, a program that lets you inject your own code into the device’s hardware so they can take control of the device.

An infected USB

Another common way for computers to attack your TV is with an infected USB drive. So, when you plug it into your TV, it runs some malicious programs that it stores and loads when the time comes.endanger your security.

This is a particularly dangerous attack because does not require extra knowledge from your computer or network configuration. In this sense, it is very important that you only use USB sticks that you trust and that you pay attention to suspicious behavior that occurs after minutes after connecting once.

social engineering attacks

Sometimes the weakest link to enter is the human factor, not hardware or software. With the social engineering attacks you use manipulation to gain access to information or your devices.

A few examples: receiving calls pretending to be from the maintenance of your television antenna or the manufacturer, or receiving an email saying there’s a problem pretending to be from the support of streaming platforms like Netflix. provide your services and data or click on a particular link.

The general advice here is to be careful. and, in case of doubt, that you are the person who called the contact information (for example, Netflix customer service) to deny or confirm this interaction.

Phishing

If your TV is connected to the internet, it is more susceptible to phishing attacks. send you links or emails to encourage you to enter your credentials on a fake website that acts as a cover.

Once they have your username and password, they will have control of the service. It is not a very common type of attack, but it is worth taking into account and in case of doubt refrain from giving this information.

Home | MidJourney with Eva Rodríguez de Luis