With the IoT evolving, we’re headed to make this world a better place to live, especially our homes. Rollback a decade ago and tell who could’ve imagined that one could accomplish so much with the help of technology and innovation. Don’t believe us? Take a moment and look around you—almost everything is now automized.
From our phones, television to our coffee makers, we’re surrounded by a bunch of smart gadgets and appliances that improve the quality of life and allow us to get things done with the least efforts involved. So, out of all other IoT gadgets, we will be talking specifically about Smart TVs in this post. Compared to other IoT appliances, your smart TV is more prone to attacks. Wondering why?
Smart TV Security Tips 2020
Why is it Important to Secure our Smart TV ?
Yes, just like your smartphone and laptop, your smart TV can get infected with malware and virus too. And one of the most important reasons what makes this device more vulnerable to hacking and security exploits is because there’s no in-built security or anti-virus software included with your television.
Hackers treat this vulnerability as their advantage and try to target your Smart TV for connecting to other appliances available in your smart home. Basically, your smart TV acts as a weak link or bait in hacker’s plan where they can easily exploit your digital life if you don’t keep your IoT devices secure. So yes, the potential of risk associated with a Smart TV is comparatively more in this case.
But don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. Here are a few Smart TV tips and tricks that will secure your device while keeping any potential threats and security exploits at bay.
Let’s explore these security tips and suggestions to make your smart TV experience more pleasant!
Smart TVs Can Be Risky (FBI Says So…)
In a recent headline, we heard that the FBI gave an official warning stating that your smart TV may be spying on you. As the smart TV is the weakest link among other smart home appliances, it acts as a gateway for hackers. Hackers can easily use smart TV to sneak into your homes and listen to your private conversations to invade privacy.
But don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. Here are a few Smart TV tips and tricks (suggested by the FBI) that will secure your device while keeping any potential threats and security exploits at bay.
Let’s explore these security tips and suggestions to make your smart TV experience more pleasant!
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Keep a Separate Network
As almost all of our IoT devices need an active WiFi connection for functioning, we highly recommend you to keep a separate network for smart TV. In this way, even if by any chance hackers try to infect your smart TV device, they won’t be able to target other smart home gadgets and appliances through penetrating the same WiFi network. So, choosing a separate or a secondary WiFi network for connecting your Smart TV will make it more secure.
Disable the Mic
The modern-day smart TVs come equipped with an in-built mic to support voice assistant functionality. But to make your Smart TV more secure, turn off the mic or any other input-activated device that is connected to your device when not in use. Try and avoid keeping the mic turned on for 24×7, as it may invite some uncalled trouble or security threats.
And yes, the Cameras Too!
Yes, offer the same security treatment to your smart TVs in-built camera as well. If your Smart TV’s camera is enabled all the time, it puts you at more risk of being digitally exposed. Also, to be extra safe you can also try a simple DIY hack to hide your smart TV camera lens. Just take any plastic tape strip and hide the camera surface so that hackers cannot dig into your personal lives by any means.
Also Read: 6 Amazing Benefits Of Having Smart Home Devices In Our Lives
Don’t Share Too Much Personal Information
Before you set up any gadget or device, the initial process stays the same and, i.e. creating a new user account. So, while creating a user account for your Smart TV, make sure that you don’t fill too much personal information while setting up a new account. Also, avoid entering bank details or any other financial information for better peace of mind.
Update Firmware
Updating the firmware of your Smart TV is one of the most important things to do. Keep checking for any latest available software updates and install them right away to make your device more secure. The new firmware updates mostly include performance improvements, bug fixes, and security enhancements, so updating the firmware is always a good idea. Doing so will make your Smart TV less prone to security attacks and vulnerabilities.
Here were a few smart TV tips and tricks to make your device as secure as possible while keeping the hackers away! By following the above-mentioned security tips, you can strengthen your smart TV’s security and make it less prone to exploits and vulnerabilities. Follow us on social media – Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.