Absolutely, any device that we connect to the Internet can be at risk of being hacked. It’s not just our mobile phone or computer that are susceptible to cyberattacks. Other devices, such as Smart TVs, are also vulnerable. Smart TVs are a product that we use almost daily and we don’t pay them the attention they need to avoid security breaches.
More and more families are turning their homes into true Smart Homes. Although not all the devices we have at home are connected to the Internet, we do tend to look at this feature when buying a new product. We all like to be able to turn the light on or off with Alexa, or save money with a smart heating system.
One of the devices that Spaniards are most looking for to be smart is televisions. Currently, the market is full of models that connect to the WiFi network to offer us all its advantages, such as controlling channels by voice or enjoying streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Pluto TV, Prime Video or SkyShowtime. A study shared with Statista estimates that there are 64.1% of households in Spain with a Smart TV.
Despite all the features that a connected TV offers, we must also take into account its drawbacks. A Smart TV will always be more vulnerable in terms of security than a conventional television. But you should not be alarmed by this, if you have it updated and do not install any apps of dubious origin, you should not have any problems.
Keep your updates up to date
Developers of operating systems for Smart TVs usually release updates with security patches to correct vulnerabilities that they detect. Often, televisions install the latest version of the software automatically. But this is not always the case. Sometimes, due to network outages or other reasons, the download fails; or it may also be that your device is already very old and out of date. Therefore, it is a good idea to check from time to time if we have the most recent update installed.
It doesn’t matter if your TV uses Android TV, Google TV, Fire OS, webOS, Tizen or another operating system. You can check the latest version by browsing the Internet. Then, you should go to Settings or Configuration of your Smart TV and check if you have it installed.
If you don’t have it, follow the instructions on your smart TV to download the update. If your TV is completely outdated, you’ll need to be very careful if you decide to stay connected to the Internet and not buy a new screen for the living room. Not doing so could put your online security at risk.
Applications that hide malware
Even if you have the latest update installed on your Smart TV, you can still make a mistake by downloading some fraudulent software. We generally recommend that you only use apps that are available from official app stores, and not use any external sources.
However, there may be times when we need or are interested in downloading a platform that is not available in the Google Play Store for televisions or other app stores.
Previously, HBO Max was not available on Fire OS, for example. This has changed with the arrival of Max, but it is proof that there are widely used services that are not always officially available. Therefore, we recommend that you search the Internet for reliable ways to install certain programs.
Companies often explain to you how to install apps that are not officially in their stores without endangering your security. Under no circumstances should you download apps from dubious sources. If you do, you risk a cybercriminal sneaking into your Smart TV through a Trojan that you yourself have installed.
