You’ve likely heard plenty about the need to secure your computers, laptops, and mobile devices from hackers, viruses, and malware. But did you know that your smart TV also needs cybersecurity? Smart TV security is very important, because, without proper security protocols in place, savvy hackers can take advantage of vulnerabilities in the smart TV’s operating system, enabling them to access your device and even take control of it.

Can a Smart TV Be Hacked?

Yes. A smart TV connected to an unsecured Wi-Fi is a gateway into your home network. Whether it’s through a rogue app or outdated firmware, scammers may be able to remotely control your device, commit data theft, or even pivot attacks to your other devices. 

It’s not only possible for smart TVs to become hacked—they’ve become an attractive target. That’s because:

  • Smart TVs are often always on and connected, which gives attackers persistent access
  • People treat them as “just a TV,” so the security urgency is lower and default settings remain
  • Smart TVs integrate with many streaming apps, social or system accounts—an attacker can piggyback on those to access other parts of your digital life
  • Many modern TVs share the same network with laptops, phones, smart home devices; once inside the TV, the hacker may access the broader network.

Risks of a Vulnerable Smart TV

If you have a smart TV with Internet connectivity, then it is particularly vulnerable without IoT security. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in the operating system to access the information stored on your Smart TV and use it to perform a number of unscrupulous actions. These include:

  • Spying on you by turning the TV’s camera on and off – Many smart TVs have webcams that a hacker can use to spy on you and your family without you ever being aware of it. Hackers could use the webcam to take pictures or see if there is anything in the home worth stealing.
  • Accessing social media apps – When you log in to a social media app via your smart TV, you could be giving a hacker the information he or she needs to gain illegal access to your accounts.
  • Changing, modifying, and deleting files – Hackers can be annoying and just have fun changing the channels or volume on your Smart TV, or they could cause more serious damage by tampering with file data.
  • Malware and Viruses – A smart TV without IoT security is also vulnerable to malware and viruses that can wreak havoc on your personal and professional life. Because your smart TV is connected to the same router as your other devices in the household, malware could also infect computers, laptops, and mobile devices.

5 Signs a Smart TV Is Hacked

Recognizing the early warning signs allows you to act before too much damage is done. Here are indicators that your smart TV may be compromised:

1. Unusual device behavior or activity

  • Your TV turns on/off by itself, volume fluctuates for no reason, apps open or change without user input
  • Menus, settings or user accounts have been changed without your consent

2. Strange pop-ups or messages

  • Unexpected prompts asking you to “update now,” “install this app,” “verify your account,” or “pay a fee” on the TV screen

3. Altered or re-enabled privacy/security settings

  • The camera or microphone is enabled after you disabled it
  • Privacy settings are changed without your action

4. Slow performance, freezing, or strange apps installed

  • The TV takes longer than usual to respond, such as a sluggish interface
  • You notice new apps you didn’t install

5. Redirects or signs of network misuse

  • When you try to go to a streaming app, the TV reroutes you to an unexpected site 
  • Your network traffic seems unusually high from the TV 
  • Your streaming history shows content you never watched

How to Secure Your Smart TV 

Thankfully, there are actions you can take to ensure that your data, privacy, and devices are protected. These include:

1. Keep Your Router Credentials Protected

Your router is used to connect the smart TV and other devices in your home to the Internet. Securing the router is essential to good cybersecurity—first by changing the generic admin password the router comes with to something much stronger. 

Use a firewall with your router as a double measure of security. Although, it’s important to mention that most routers come with a firewall already built-in, so there is no need to go out and buy a firewall if your router already has it. If your smart TV has a firewall as well, turn it on. 

Lastly, disable router features that you are not using, and make sure the router software is always up to date.

2. Keep Your Smart TV Software Up To Date

Updates usually provide more security by patching vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit. Be sure to always update apps and the smart TV firmware itself as soon as updates are offered.

3. Use the Security Functions on Your Smart TV

Your smart TV likely comes pre-configured with security settings. But you can easily configure the privacy settings yourself to enhance the cybersecurity of your device. For example, you can turn off the feature that allows the smart TV to share data and information with other providers. 

You can also turn off the camera and microphone if you don’t plan on using it, and even keep the camera covered just to be on the safe side.

4. Only Download Trusted Applications

Smart TVs allow you to download a variety of apps. However, you are taking a risk if you don’t download apps directly from the smart TV’s app store. Many apps come loaded with malware and viruses that you might not be aware of. 

If you insist on downloading an app from another source, first check the reviews, the number of downloads, the name of the software author, and anything else that might provide you with important information as to whether the app can be trusted or not. This goes for streaming sites you might want to connect to as well.

BlackCloak: Home Network Security for High-Profile Individuals

A concierge cybersecurity provider like BlackCloak safeguards your entire digital footprint. This includes home network protection, helping secure your IoT devices like a smart TV, ensuring your data and your privacy are well protected. 

Contact BlackCloak today to learn more about your options.