Smart TVs with a connection to the Internet 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. In the following article we will explain exactly what dangers there are and how you can protect yourself from them.
Smart TV: 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 HbbTV (Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV), and on the other hand, the unwanted disclosure of user data to manufacturers or TV broadcasters. According to the BSI (Federal Office for Information Security), there are currently no signs of major cyber attacks on smart TVs, but the following protective measures are recommended.
Note: Set-top boxes, Blu-Ray players and game consoles often have functions similar to smart TVs. Here, too, careful handling of online functions is advisable..
Protect smart TV - this is how it works
- Install updates regularly: keep your smart TV 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: Some smart TVs offer webcams or voice control. Switch off cameras and microphones or deactivate voice control so that you are not observed or eavesdropped on yourself.
- Switch off HbbTV: HbbTV is considered the successor to teletext. On most televisions this offer is activated by pressing the red button. You can use it to call up information about the current program or additional content such as media libraries. However, HbbTV also transmits data about your television usage behavior to the TV stations. Meanwhile, HbbTV is also a potential target for hackers to bring malware onto your television. You can switch off HbbTV in the settings menu of your smart TV.
- Only install apps from trustworthy sources: Only use the device manufacturer's app store 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 on the Smart TV, enter passwords or addresses as rarely as possible and make sure that the connection is encrypted (URL begins with https: // ).
- Secure Your Home Network: This tip is useful for all of your network devices. Secure your home network adequately. Use the latest encryption methods (WPA2) and use secure passwords. This is how you make it difficult for hackers to attack your network.
- Take a look at the data protection declarations of the manufacturers: Check exactly what data the manufacturers collect and what they do with it. Look out for data protection or privacy settings on your device.
- Turn off your internet connection: 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 gap or revealing data is then virtually zero. You will then not be able to use apps such as "Netflix" or "maxdome" and HbbTV functions (e.g. media libraries). If you would still like to use online apps, you can connect to the Internet while you are using them and then disconnect them again.
Conclusion
You only have absolute security if you cut off your internet connection. This goes hand in hand with a considerable loss of convenience, after all, smart TVs are also popular precisely because of their online functions. If you heed the tips presented here and familiarize yourself with the settings of your device, you will be able to approach your next evening watching TV in a relaxed manner, despite the Internet connection.