Privacy

How Your Smart TV is Becoming More Intelligent

When we think of smart TVs, we think of crisp HD picture quality and access to all of our favorite video or music streaming apps. But the newest smart TVs on the market have a lot more to offer than movies and music.

Seemingly Endless Applications
Many new smart TVs, like the Android TV, include access to a variety of gaming apps. Your smart TV can recognize your phone as a type of game controller. Remember your game progress on another device so that you can continue it on your TV. Your smart TV may also allow you to browse the web and offer a variety of other apps like fitness, social media, news, weather, maps, and photo apps. In the future, even more streaming channels, such as those that offer new content from some of your favorite websites, will be available.

Built-in Cameras and Other Features
Many smart TVs include built-in cameras, or else the option to add a camera to your TV. This can be used for gaming purposes, or else to access video-calling apps on your TV. Many smart TVs also allow you to search for a TV show or application with your voice, which can be a lot easier than typing. There’s also the ability for 3D display, meaning that you can watch some of your favorite 3D movies, like Avatar. You can also record your favorite live TV shows without an additional device.

The Risks of Owning a Smarter TV
Just like your other devices, your smart TV can also be hacked. In addition to gaining access to your TV through its Wi-Fi connection, hackers can also spy on you through your TV’s camera or microphone. Unlike your phone or computer, which can be more easily protected against security threats, your TV is more vulnerable. This means that it’s a good idea to avoid online shopping on your TV. Some measures to protect your TV against security threats include avoiding suspicious looking apps and staying up-to-date on your TV’s software.

In addition, if you’re worried about companies spying on your web browsing habits on your computer or phone, then you should know that they’re also spying on your TV habits. TV manufacturers often collect information on what apps you use and what you’re watching, usually for advertising purposes. They can use this information to send targeted ads to any device connected to your Wi-Fi. However, there are often ways to control this through your TV’s privacy settings.

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The dfndr blog is an informative channel that presents exclusive content on security and privacy in the mobile and business world, with tips to keep users protected. Populated by a select group of expert reporters, the channel has a partnership with dfndr lab's security team. Together they bring you, first-notice news about attacks, scams, internet vulnerabilities, malware and everything affecting cybersecurity.