[opendtv] Re: Samsung and Roku Smart TVs Vulnerable to Hacking, Consumer Reports Finds
- From: "Manfredi, Albert E" <albert.e.manfredi@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: "opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx" <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 9 Feb 2018 04:28:20 +0000
Monty Solomon posted:
Samsung and Roku Smart TVs Vulnerable to Hacking, Consumer Reports Finds
Security and privacy testing of several brands also reveals broad-based
data collection. How to limit your exposure.
https://www.consumerreports.org/televisions/samsung-roku-smart-tvs-vulnerable-to-hacking-consumer-reports-finds/
Not as alarming as implied by the article, IMO.
The only "hacking" described here was that of changing the volume or the site
you are browsing, by some distant hacker. But that's really easy to prevent.
Simply use the device's own remote control, switch off the setting that allows
remote control via smartphone or tablet, and you're done. Big whoop. Besides
which, the fix should be straightforward. You simply encrypt any remote control
commands that use a smartphone or tablet, so only commands from your handheld
device(s) are accepted by the Roku or TV. But really, just use the TV or Roku
remote, and switch off that IP control app. Quoting:
"... and pointed out that the External Control feature can be turned off in the
settings. However, this will also disable control of the device through Roku's
own app."
It would be way more irritating if Roku and others were disabling a whole bunch
of USEFUL features, when the user disables this silly IP control app. That
doesn't seem to be the case.
All the rest is merely monitoring what you watch, to send you targeted ads. We
already knew that advertisers and content owners have been licking their chops
for just this sort of new functionality. Every household becomes a Nielsen
household. Not terribly alarming?
Bert
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