FBI warns app developers could be spying on you through your smart TV camera

Is your Smart TV watching and listening to you at home? According to the FBI, it could be. The FBI put out a warning that some of these new TV’s may be, vulnerable to intrusion.

According to the FBI, hackers and scammers, “can change channels, play with the volume, and show your kids inappropriate videos,” and “In a worst-case scenario, they can turn on your bedroom TV’s camera and microphone and silently cyberstalk you.”

This seems like a safety and security concern for Southwest Florida for anyone who purchased or plans on buying a new smart TV.

If you bought a new TV on Black Friday or in the last few days, we would like to get your thoughts or see if you have any concerns. Comment on the Facebook post below or message us.

Here is the FBI warning:

Welcome to the Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday segment. Today: building a digital defense with your TV.

Yes, I said your TV. Specifically, your smart TV…the one that is sitting in your living room right now. Or, the one that you plan to buy on super sale on Black Friday.

Smart TVs are called that because they connect to the Internet. They allow you to use popular streaming services and apps. Many also have microphones for those of us who are too lazy to actually to pick up the remote. Just shout at your set that you want to change the channel or turn up the volume and you are good to go.

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” 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.

Hackers can also take control of your unsecured TV. 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.

TVs and technology are a big part of our lives, and they aren’t going away. So how can you protect your family?

• Know exactly what features your TV has and how to control those features. Do a basic Internet search with your model number and the words “microphone,” “camera,” and “privacy.”
• Don’t depend on the default security settings. Change passwords if you can – and know how to turn off the microphones, cameras, and collection of personal information if possible. If you can’t turn them off, consider whether you are willing to take the risk of buying that model or using that service.
• If you can’t turn off a camera but want to, a simple piece of black tape over the camera eye is a back-to-basics option.
• Check the manufacturer’s ability to update your device with security patches. Can they do this? Have they done it in the past?
• Check the privacy policy for the TV manufacturer and the streaming services you use. Confirm what data they collect, how they store that data, and what they do with it.
  As always, if you have been victimized by cyber fraud, be sure to report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.IC3.gov or call your local FBI office.