Smart TV Security: How to Protect Your TV
Listening to music, playing online games or making phone calls, smart TVs have long been able to do much more.
Smart TVs with a connection to the Internet and iptv have become an indispensable part of many living rooms. In addition to useful features, there are also potential security gaps and opportunities to unintentionally pass on data to third parties.
Smart TV and IPTV: What are the dangers?
Smart TVs bring the functions of a computer or smartphone into the living room. You can surf the Internet, download apps and sometimes even make video calls. Therefore, like computers, these devices can be the target of espionage or malware. On the one hand, there is a threat of attacks by hackers on poorly secured systems or on Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV. And on the other hand, the unwanted disclosure of user data to manufacturers or TV broadcasters.
Protect Smart TV and IPTV – that’s how it works
Install updates regularly: Keep your smart TV and iptv software up-to-date. Install updates that are offered automatically or check your device for the update function. Unfortunately, many manufacturers no longer provide software updates after a certain period of time. Any security gaps could then remain open on your Smart TV.
Switching off webcams and microphones: Switch off cameras and microphones or deactivate the voice control so that you are not observed or eavesdropped on yourself.
Only install apps from trustworthy sources: Only use the app store of the device manufacturer or, if you have an Android TV, the Google Play store.
Use the smart TV browser as infrequently as possible: Since the browsers of smart TVs are in many cases not updated as often as Firefox or Google Chrome, important security technologies could be missing. Above all, avoid sensitive areas such as online banking.
Avoid entering confidential data: When surfing, enter passwords or addresses as rarely as possible.
Secure Your Home Network: This tip is useful for all of your network devices. Secure your home network sufficiently. Use the latest encryption methods (WPA2) and use secure passwords.
Turn off your internet connection: This is by far the safest, but perhaps also the most unpopular method. You don’t need your internet connection as long as you are only watching TV programs on your television. The risk of a security breach or revealing data is then virtually zero.