This archive report was first published on 5 December 2019.
Published on December 5, 2019, the FBI's Portland field office issued a warning about the potential for smart TVs to be hacked, allowing malicious actors to access personal data and even turn on cameras and microphones.
According to the FBI, smart TVs equipped with internet streaming and facial recognition capabilities may be vulnerable to intrusion. This could allow hackers to gain access to a user's home network, potentially leading to a range of malicious activities.
“TV manufacturers and app developers may be listening and watching you,” the FBI warned in a blog post.
The agency noted that a television can also serve as a gateway for hackers to enter a user's home, and that malicious cyber actors can take control of unsecured smart TVs, potentially causing harm to unsuspecting owners.
“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,” the FBI explained.
The FBI recommends that users do their research before buying a smart TV to ensure they understand any security vulnerabilities. If a smart TV is purchased, the agency advises changing any default passwords and figuring out how to turn off its cameras or microphones. If a camera cannot be turned off, users can always cover the lens with black tape.
