Can smart TVs be attacked by viruses?

In what was considered a strange, even alarming gesture, Samsung recently released a "How To" video on its Twitter feed, showing people how to scan viruses on its smart TVs.

He also suggested that you use the security analysis tools "every few weeks" – an apparently excessive statement.

The company has since deleted the tweet and video, but not before triggering a debate over the ability to easily attack TVs with viruses and malware. And, of course, the publication has sparked reactions from concerned consumers, some even suggesting never to connect your TV to the Internet.

That's why we have contacted several cybersecurity experts to determine if, as Samsung suggests, your connected TV is vulnerable to hackers and attacks. And if you really need to manually scan viruses as often as the manufacturer claims.

Nothing to fear?

The general belief is that there is not much to fear for the moment. Again.

Andrew Martin, CEO and founder of the global cybersecurity company DynaRisk, told Pocket-lint that the general public should not be too concerned about the possibility that their smart TVs will be attacked. At least not at the present time: "Unlike the risks associated with devices such as laptops, computers and more and more smartphones, viruses on smart TVs are extremely rare, at least for the moment "he explained.

"Likewise, hacks are strongly associated with risk, so if you're a high-risk person working in a high-profile sector, such as politics, journalism, activism, and government, you're more likely to be targeted by hackers. "

So, if you're not in the high-risk category and you mainly use your device to watch Love Island, you should be fine.

However, Martin recommends that you research the instructions for your smart TV brand and perform an antivirus scan on occasion, just in case. However, as recommended by Samsung, we do not recommend it every few weeks: "Consumers must remain cautious and perform AV analysis on their smart TVs at least once a year," he added.

"Cybercrime is evolving rapidly and, by staying informed of the risks, consumers will be ahead of the curve in attacks against smart devices."

Manufacturers must take action

Jaavad Malik, a security advocate at KnowBe4, added that it should not be up to the consumer to make sure his home entertainment equipment is secure. He explained that the companies themselves should take responsibility for running security scans and antivirus checks on connected devices, including televisions: "Ask users to keep their computers and their Fully corrected mobile devices is a daunting task. "he said.

"Instead, manufacturers need to find more efficient and simpler ways to keep their products up-to-date and secure for their customers, and users must have the ability to disable features if necessary."

This includes the possibility for a TV to access the Internet or certain TV features. Some TVs have built-in voice assistants, for example, and users may not want "always-on" listening turned on.

Safety tips

David Emm, principal security researcher at Kaspersky, also stressed the responsibility of manufacturers. Businesses need to consider the online security of all the devices they sell, not just smart TVs: "It's critical that retailers and manufacturers secure products in our homes – figuratively speaking, It's not good to ask people to lock their windows and their door while leaving the back door open, "he said.

"Manufacturers have a responsibility to integrate design safety into smart devices – and the government code of conduct will positively encourage businesses, and even if the code of practice is not mandatory, it will establish a framework." for companies that develop smart devices – as long as consumers can see at a glance if a product is compliant. "

Emm has also provided excellent advice that is potentially more important now than the virus detection of your post – and that is suitable for all countries, regardless of the TV brand: "Check that it is possible to disable useless functions, reduce the attack surface, that the product can be updated easily and change the default passwords provided with the device. "

Still worried?

So, experts do not think you have to worry right now, no matter how exuberant tweet from Samsung. Just be sure to make regular updates from manufacturers and not use easy-to-guess passwords.

If you are still worried, you can also check in your TV manual if a "security check" function is possible, such as on recent Samsung smart TVs. It is also worth noting that visiting illicit websites (such as illegal streaming sites) or downloading unapproved apps are more likely to open your device to malware attacks or viruses that well-known online locations. Avoid them if you do not want to expose yourself to unnecessary risks.

Finally, if you missed the original tweet and own a Samsung TV with virus-checking feature, the Twitter user Leo Kelion managed to record a video of the instructions before his disappearance. You can watch it below.

Just in case you forgot to check for viruses on your Samsung TV before removing the tweet pic.twitter.com/bJctBQo8F6

– Leo Kelion (@LeoKelion) June 17, 2019