48.2 % of French people have a smart TV but do nothing to protect it!

A new study launched by NordVPN shows that more than 48.2 % of French people have a smart TV at home.And yet, almost 1 in 3 people (30 %) does nothing to protect this device.Connected televisions represent a serious security risk, which is why experts warn users on their safety.In 2019, the FBI published a warning indicating that connected televisions could make users vulnerable to surveillance and cybercriminals attacks.Since then, user safety technologies have been perfected, but internet connected devices remain fragile.

“Like any device that regularly connects to the Internet, smart TVs collect a lot of private data, which poses a multitude of questions about confidentiality and security.But, unlike other connected devices, they cannot be equipped with the latest cybersecurity software (such as antivirus), which makes them even more vulnerable to cybercrime, "comments Daniel Markuson, digital security expert at NordVPN.

What should you be wary exactly?

With smart TVs, the possibility that someone observes or listening to users is much higher than with a traditional television.Hackers can access the camera and microphone of a connected TV thanks to malware, which they can slip into the device if it is connected to Wi-Fi.They can use images of the bedroom or living room to make users sing and their families afterwards.The CIA has already created malware of this type to listen to users via Samsung Smart TV.If they have been able to do it, cybercriminals too.

Data collection is another problem that users must worry about.Like any connected device, smart TVs use many web trackers.Services like Netflix, Hulu or HBO GO collect data from their users and analyze their streaming behavior, in order to personalize their experience on these platforms.The concern is that these customers never know where their data can be found, because all large companies are permanently leaking data leaks.The streaming services mentioned above are no exception to the rule.

In addition, any smart TV used to browse the web could also be infected with a virus.Like computers, these televisions work through software, but they do not have the same antivirus and firewall systems.Once the TV is infected, all navigation history, passwords and other private data become accessible to cybercriminals.And they can use this information to carry out Ransomware type attacks or sell it on the Dark Web.

How to strengthen the safety of your Smart TV?

You should not have to choose between excellent online television and reinforced security, when it is possible to have both.The global connected television market reached 202.1 billion dollars last year, it is time that we learn to properly protect these devices.