The Federal Bureau of Investigation recently warned consumers that their smart televisions might be spying on them.
The FBI’s Portland field office issued the warning in a statement.
Details: Here’s the details of the statement:
“A number of the newer TV’s also have built-in cameras. In some cases, the cameras are used for facial recognition so the TV knows who is watching and can suggest programming appropriately. There are also devices coming to market that allow you to video chat with grandma in 42-inch glory.”
“Beyond the risk that your TV manufacturer and app developers may be listening and watching you, that television can also be a gateway for hackers to come into your home. A bad cyber actor may not be able to access your locked-down computer directly, but it is possible that your unsecured TV can give him or her an easy way in the backdoor through your router.
“At the low end of the risk spectrum, they can change channels, play with the volume, and show your kids inappropriate videos. In a worst-case scenario, they can turn on your bedroom TV’s camera and microphone and silently cyberstalk you.”
What you can do: Consumers who are worried about a smart TV spying on them can review the features within their televisions to make sure they fit their preferences, according to Fox News.
- Review microphones and camera settings.
- Put black tape on the camera.
- Don’t rely on default settings.
- Change any passwords associated with the TV.