As the holiday season ramps up, the Federal Bureau of Investigation issued a warning Tuesday that smart TVs can be used to spy on consumers.
The FBI said the advanced TVs, which often include cameras and microphones, are more vulnerable to hackers than a likely more-secured normal computer.
“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,” FBI employee Beth Anne Steele said to WJRT.
“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,” she said.
The FBI recommends consumers create a long, unique password for their TV and keep settings updated. The bureau also recommends going further by disabling the microphone or covering up the camera.
• Bailey Vogt can be reached at bvogt@washingtontimes.com.
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