According to Statista, more than 60% of Spanish homes will have a Smart TV in 2022. Spanish society has gone from a mere 4.3% in 2013 to more than 4 out of 10 Spaniards having it. with a television connected to the internet. But, unlike what happens with mobile phones, it seems that there is a certain lack of knowledge regarding their configuration to guarantee our privacy. We tell you everything you need to know.
The Smart TV They have meant a revolution in the way we consume content through this device. Far from having to adapt to the television grid Conventional, a smart television connects to the Internet through a wireless network or, in the least of cases, a network cable and allows us to enjoy a multitude of applications to watch our favorite programs on demand. We can even connect them to our smartphone so that it acts as if it were a remote control.
But, it is precisely its connectivity with the network and with our smartphone one of the main risk factors that we should monitor. Since, through it, any malware attack can cause data theft that can greatly compromise our privacy.
Civil Guard
@Civil Guard
A Smart TV is an intelligent device that connects to the Internet and that makes it the target of #cybercriminals. There are settings to reinforce security aspects and preserve privacy
@osisecurity helps you ➕ℹ👇
https://t.co/yK7ZA8sRbR https://t.co/OtF4bSX5eXSeptember 7, 2023 • 17:02
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This is the perfect configuration for your Smart TV
- Use a strong password on your account: As with our email, it is important that we use a secure password when creating our user account. The processes for creating this account probably vary depending on the manufacturer, but what we do have to be clear about is that the access data must be private and follow all security recommendations to avoid leaks.
- Once we have created the account, the next step is review all settings related to privacy and security. From this tab we will be able to control the use made of our data, for example, such as regarding active listening or the permissions of any other application that is running. As the ecosystem of gadgets in the home has grown considerably, the constant flow of data between all of them has become common to create more personalized experiences. But also to be vulnerable to all types of risks and threats.
- Always ensure the latest version: One of the main mistakes we can make with any object that connects to the network is having it out of date. The versions released by manufacturers are not only focused on the incorporation of new functionalities and features, but also on correcting any security gap that has been detected and has not yet been identified. As we update the software of our Smart TV, the more security guarantees we will have.
- The router: Not only the configuration of the smart television is important, but also the device that allows the Internet connection: the router. Here, we must monitor both possible MAC address leaks and the use of strong passwords.
- Downloading apps is also critical. It is advisable to only download those that provide us with all the guarantees and that come from reliable sources. Avoiding any new app that has not yet been tested enough or about which we do not find much information.
What can happen if we don’t follow these tips?
The dangers that we can face if we do not follow the previously mentioned advice are, for practical purposes, the same ones we are exposed to with our computer or smartphone. However, in this case they are accentuated by being an element that occupies a central role in most areas of family rest, as is the case of living room or bedrooms. So it is advisable to always be alert.
Besides data theft, We also have to point out the loss of privacy or possible network infections that, without realizing it, can carry out any malicious action for which, in the end, we would be responsible without being aware of it.
