Taking into account that more and more functions are shared with a computer, allowing you to access the Internet, watch movies and even play video games directly from your television, they also mean new ways for hackers to attack your device.
Main vulnerabilities of a Smart TV
Since Smart TVs also run their own software, just like computers or mobile phones, hackers can use the same methods to exploit vulnerabilities in software to gain access to your device. Furthermore, if the Your TV’s operating system is outdated, it is much easier for hackers to find flaws in the software and exploit them. Manufacturers like Samsung include an antivirus in them, but there are others that do not, so they do not check if malware is installed. Therefore, it is recommended to update both the operating system of the television and the applications that are installed.
The USB drive can be another source of infection. It is very useful for playing multimedia content or expanding the available storage space of the Smart TV, but it can also be the focus through which a infected usb drive drop its malicious code. An inserted USB drive can install additional malicious software on the Smart TV and compromise its security.
Another way hackers gain access to your smart TV is by using malware y spyware. Malware is malicious software that attackers can use to gain access to your device, while spyware is malicious software that can monitor your activities and steal your personal information.
Being devices connected to the network, by using tools like packet sniffers and keyloggers, hackers can get access to wifi password and take control of your device.
The same applies to another wireless connection, Bluetooth, which makes them vulnerable to secuestro de Bluetooth (bluejacking). This allows malicious code to be sent over the TV’s Bluetooth signal in an attempt to gain access to the device. Once the code is received, it can be used to control the TV and access data stored on it.
Without proper security settings, you risk leaving your TV vulnerable to attack. Hackers can take advantage of loopholes in your security settings and gain access to the device, allowing them to view personal information, install malware, and control the TV’s features. Even if you don’t think you have any sensitive information worth seizing, be sure to check your TV manual and consider disabling features like remote access, which could give hackers a way to break into your TV. your network.
Most likely attacks on a smart TV
Los ataques Man-in-the-middle (MitM) They occur when a hacker intercepts communication between two parties, acting as an intermediary. Hackers can use this technique to gain access to data on a Smart TV by intercepting packets of information passing between the device and its intended destination. This type of attack is particularly dangerous as it can give hackers complete access to sensitive information.
Los social engineering attacks They are a type of attack in which hackers use psychological manipulation to gain access to information or devices. This could include impersonating a customer service representative to get someone to provide their login credentials, or sending malicious links via email in an attempt to get the user to click on them.
Hackers can also use hardware attacks to gain access to your smart TV. This is done by using a tool known as a JTAG debugger, which allows hackers to inject their own code into the device’s hardware and allow them to do whatever they want with the device.
If the TV is connected to the Internet, it is more susceptible to ataques de phishing. Hackers can use phishing attacks to gain access to your smart TV by sending malicious links or emails in an attempt to get you to enter your login credentials on a fake website. Once they have your username and password, they are in control.
One of the treats for a hacker is hijack camera and/or microphones. Many televisions currently have microphones built into the television itself or in the remote, mainly for the activation of voice assistants. Others even incorporate cameras to make video calls, and in both cases it is very dangerous for a hacker to take control of both elements, since they can spy on our conversations or even record our privacy.
Finally, Smart TVs are designed to run applications such as Netflix and DAZN, as well as many other third-party applications with which to expand the catalog of multimedia content that can be played. Unfortunately, hackers can create their own malicious apps or modify existing ones and exploit security vulnerabilities in the TV’s operating system. Attackers can use these malicious apps to collect personal data, access private networks, or even remotely control your TV. It’s vital to download apps only from trusted sources and keep your smart TV software up to date with the latest security patches.
To check that everything is in order, access the monitoring systemas we show you below.
Go to the TV’s Settings menu. Go to the section called General. Click on System Administrator. Then, you have to access Security, a section that is in charge of reviewing the device. What you have to do next is access the monitoring system by entering Scan. It is a process that lasts a few seconds and, if a virus is installed, it will report it.
