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Smart TV Security Tips
Today, TVs are highly evolved machines capable of accomplishing tasks you’d associate with a computer. Further, with technology getting smarter, televisions now offer personalized services. In other words, with automatic content recognition, smart TVs have the capability to tailor content, even ads, to your likes and dislikes. On a certain level this sort of interplay between the device and viewer is desirable: think of the valuable ‘recommendations’ you get that facilitate seamless, relevant viewing.
On the other hand, with the relationship between your TV and you no longer being unidirectional, the question of security also becomes pertinent. Data collection means lack of privacy and hackers could access your microphone and camera to get an audio-visual sneak-peek into your world. As a result, you need to be on guard against your smart TV spying on or watching you.
To ensure that your smart TV isn’t able to do so, consider these 7 tips.
Pull the plug on the internet connection
Since privacy risks and security threats are internet-linked, one way to circumvent issues is to unplug internet cables and disable Wi-Fi connectivity. This, however, reduces the functionality of the device and makes viewing inconvenient too, as you’d have to restore these connections each time you turn on your TV.
Go through privacy settings carefully
If you are worried by your TV spying on you, in terms of data collection in particular, remember that you have a choice to agree or disagree to the terms during setup. What you should do is uncheck data collection, wherever possible, and pick the most restrictive terms. If you have already set up your TV, to opt out of data sharing, going to your device’s settings panel or menu and uncheck the option.
Your TV’s privacy controls are also worth considering before you purchase a new model. Different manufacturers and operating systems offer different menus, data-sharing options and connected features. Read the available specifications and understand which features can be disabled. A broader checklist of display, operating-system and connectivity considerations is available in The Definitive Smart TV Buying Guide. Reviewing these factors before buying can help you choose a television that balances entertainment features with the level of control you want over your data.
Cover your smart TV’s in-built camera
The TV’s camera is technically a gateway to your living room, and should a hacker gain access and permissions, your privacy could be heavily compromised. So, whenever you aren’t using your TV’s camera, consider covering it. This is a simple and cost-effective solution. Remember, if cloth is inconvenient, a piece of masking tape works just as well.
Disable the TV’s microphone
The microphone is similar to the camera, and if you want to tamper-proof this area too, consider disabling the microphone’s functions. However, this will result in giving up on voice recognition. So, a good middle approach is to tweak microphone settings to restrict access.
Update your TV’s OS at regular intervals
Dated software is a threat to privacy. Given the fact that from time to time manufacturers roll out updates security patches and bug fixes to plug loopholes and better your experience, always prioritise them. While you may not like waiting for new software/firmware to download and install, these updates are key to maintaining your privacy and security.
Check whether automatic updates are enabled and periodically visit the manufacturer’s support menu to see if a newer version is available. Install updates only through the TV’s built-in update facility or the manufacturer’s official support channels. Avoid firmware files from unknown websites, as an unverified download could introduce unwanted software or damage the device. If a television is no longer receiving security updates, be especially cautious about connecting it to accounts or services containing sensitive personal information.
Purchase a software solution
If your internet activity includes avid browsing and unchecked downloading of apps, then it’s best that you install a third-party security solution as well. This is because these offer protection against malware and viruses, and help secure your TV against malicious cybercrime attempts.
Before installing any security application, confirm that it is compatible with your TV’s operating system and comes from a trusted developer or official app store. Smart TVs do not all support the same applications, and installing unfamiliar software simply because it promises protection can create additional risks. Review the permissions requested by an app and remove applications that you no longer use.
Consider VPN and router-level precautions
Setting up a Virtual Private Network, by using a strong password and enabling encryption, is another way of securing your connection and increasing anonymity. Safeguarding your router’s credentials also keeps other devices within the network guarded.
Use a strong, unique password for your router’s administrator account and change the default network password if it is still in use. Enable WPA2 or WPA3 security where supported, keep the router’s firmware updated and disable remote administration if you do not need it. You can also create a separate guest network for smart-home devices, where your router supports this feature. This helps limit the access that a compromised television or other connected device may have to computers and personal files on your main network.
Another approach is to pick your TV with care. Instead of choosing a generic smart TV, pick a Sony TV or Samsung TV as these are top brands that are known to offer quality TVs with ample privacy settings. For instance, here are two models that you can consider.
When comparing televisions, remember that brand reputation alone does not guarantee privacy or security. Check the individual model’s software support, update history, privacy controls and available settings. It is also useful to read product-specific information rather than assuming every television from a manufacturer has identical features.
Sony X95G 4K HDR Smart Android TV
This Sony TV belongs to the leading X95G series and is available in 55-inch, 75-inch and 85-inch variants. It has a 4K HDR LED screen that gives you vibrant, life-like picture quality and supports Dolby sound and vision too. Additionally, it has smart connectivity features courtesy of Android TV that give you a robust, cutting-edge viewing experience.
Its Sound-from-Picture Reality, in tandem with Picture Processor X1™ Ultimate, provide you with an immersive, realistic entertainment experience. It also comes with a plethora of connectivity options such as HDMI ports, 3 USB ports and a set of input sockets. You can easily connect the TV to the internet through Wi-Fi or Ethernet and access popular OTT platforms like Hoststar, Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Samsung The Frame TV
The Frame TV from Samsung TV has a 55-inch QLED display that gives you a realistic, crystal-clear viewing experience. As the names suggest, the TV can turn into an imposing picture frame and display approximately 1,000+ pictures from around the world that you can access through the Art Store app.
Additionally, it is compatible with Bixby and Google Voice Assistant and can be controlled via voice command. Just like a smartphone, this 32-inch LED smart TV can automatically adjust its screen brightness as per the ambience lighting, thereby offering a relaxing viewing experience. What’s more, it supports Samsung’s Quantum Dot technology and HDR 10+ that enhance the picture quality and depict full colour volume, irrespective of how light or dark the scene is. The TV also has dedicated buttons for Netflix and Prime Video on its remote that makes accessing them child’s play.
Check model-specific information before buying
A television’s model number can help you find the right product specifications, compatible accessories and manufacturer support information. Before purchasing, confirm the exact model number and compare the details on the manufacturer’s website with those provided by the retailer. This is particularly important when product names look similar but refer to different screen sizes, hardware configurations or regional variants.
For example, readers researching a particular television can refer to the information about the ZO35 G25DA74 model TV. Use model-specific resources alongside the official manufacturer’s documentation to check connectivity, supported software and other features relevant to your requirements. Do not assume that a model has a particular security feature unless its specifications or support documentation confirm it.
You can also compare televisions from different manufacturers before making a decision. A TCL TV review can provide another perspective on product features and the viewing experience. When reading reviews, look beyond picture quality and price: consider the operating system, app support, update availability, privacy settings and the manufacturer’s after-sales support as well.
Be careful when connecting phones and other devices
Smart TVs are often used with smartphones and tablets to share photos, stream videos or mirror a screen. These features are convenient, but they also create additional connections that you should manage carefully. Only approve screen-sharing or casting requests from devices you recognise, and check which devices are saved or authorised in your TV’s connection settings.
If you use an iPhone or iPad with your television, review the available ways to connect your iPhone or iPad to your TV. Whether you connect wirelessly or through a cable, use trusted accessories and avoid accepting unexpected connection prompts. When you finish sharing content, disconnect the device if you do not want the television to remain available for future connections.
Also review the permissions granted to streaming and media applications. An app that only needs to play video may not require access to your contacts, microphone or location. Restrict permissions that are not necessary for the app’s main function, and sign out of accounts on a shared or public television when you are finished.
Manage streaming apps and viewing accounts
Streaming services make smart TVs more useful, but every additional account and application needs sensible management. Install apps through the TV’s official app store, keep them updated and remove services that you no longer use. Avoid entering account passwords after following unexpected links or prompts displayed on screen.
If you use your TV to watch films and series, choose the official application for the service and check that the account is signed in on your own device. For example, viewers interested in popular titles can explore three of Max’s biggest hits on TV that you can’t miss, while still applying the same account-security precautions they would use with any other streaming platform.
Use a unique password for each streaming account wherever possible, and enable two-factor authentication if the service offers it. Periodically review the devices connected to your accounts and sign out of any that you do not recognise. These small steps can help prevent someone else from using your subscription or accessing personal profile information.
Best of all, you can bring home a Sony TV or Samsung TV of your choice in a pocket-friendly manner by purchasing one on No Cost EMIs from the Bajaj Finserv EMI Network. This means that you can shop on EMIs, without worrying about paying anything extra. By using your EMI Network Card at checkout you’re assured of financing of up to Rs. 4 lakh and can split the cost of the TV over a maximum tenor of 24 months.
So, going forward, make use of the 7 tips to ensure that your smart TV isn’t watching you. If you wish to upgrade your TV while you’re at it, simply check your pre-approved offer for an instant, customised plan.
