How to make your new Smart TV as secure as possible

Just because a TV is smart doesn't mean it doesn't need protection.

The season of pre-holiday discounts continues, and many people use this opportunity to exchange an old TV for a newer model. And it almost certainly has a Smart TV feature - which not only provides access to additional content, but also puts security at risk. Of course, a hacked TV sounds like a story from a crime drama - but it really is happens with smart technology.

IN column Inc.com even provides a warning from the FBI: “In addition to the fact that the TV manufacturer and software developers can eavesdrop on you and receive video from the camera, the TV can also give a hacker access to other equipment in the house. " The article also provides tips on how to keep your Smart TV safe - here is the most important.

Keep your accounts secure

The most valuable thing an attacker can get, in addition to accessing other equipment in your home, is data from applications and services. Here's what you can do to protect them:

• Install two-factor authentication on all applications and services that allow it. If this is not possible, make sure that the system will ask for a password for every login and confirmation of all purchases.
• If possible, do not use applications on the TV that have your personal or payment information. Because let's be honest: you don't need to flip through Twitter feed on a 50-inch screen that much.
• If possible, create separate accounts for the TV.
• Don't save passwords on your TV. Yes, it can be tedious to enter them every time, but the security is worth it.

Always install firmware and app updates on your TV

If you are not sure how to do this, check the instructions: the process may differ on devices from different manufacturers. If there is such an option, it is better to enable automatic software and system updates - because even 10 applications regularly manually update can be extremely inconvenient. Remember: every time you postpone an update, you can leave your tech unprotected from vulnerabilities that were fixed in a newer version.

Disconnect or close the camera and microphone

The easiest way to gain access to the camera or microphone on a TV is, and this data can be of great value to an attacker. At the same time, the majority of users still do not use the opportunity to make calls on Skype via TV. If you are one of them, disable the camera and microphone through the settings. If for some reason it was not possible to do this, the FBI recommends sealing the camera.

Don't use your smartphone instead of a remote control

Yes, sometimes it is very convenient, but the connection between the smartphone and Smart TV can compromise both devices: it will be enough to hack one of them to gain access to both. Better to use the good old remote control.

Take care of your home network security

Reliable protection of your home network is the best concern for the security of all devices connected to it, and we are talking not only about a TV, but also about a router, smart appliances and other devices. For more information on how to secure your Wi-Fi network and router, see our article.