It’s cool to have a Smart TV with all its advances, but this makes it easier for hackers to infiltrate the system and steal information. Smart TVs are used daily with consistent connections to the internet for streaming, performance, and gaming. For individuals who have cut the cord, the Smart TV is the only way to access shows and movies they have subscribed to through streaming providers. That means you need a VPN for your TV.
Having a VPN on a Smart TV is a great security measure. It is important to have good WiFi, which may slow down the connection depending on the service. With a VPN, you can unlock and stream content and shows from libraries in different countries like Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and Disney+, turning it into a browsing device just like a smartphone, computer, or laptop. This means keeping it protected is not a want but a need. It’s always best to be proactive because TV manufacturers do not usually consider cybersecurity protocols when designing these televisions.
How can hackers or cybercriminals access the TV?
With so many people working from home, there have been instances of Zoom rooms and other internet-streaming devices being hacked – including Smart TVs. The television’s webcam can be infiltrated, providing information to hackers on when the owner leaves for work or vacation and determining whether the home items are worth a break-in.
Watching movies that show the government spying on residents via their Smart TVs isn’t just for show – it’s true. The CIA and MI5 have been known to spy on people through Smart TVs using special software that infects the television, records private conversations, and watches individuals via the built-in camera.
Many people get irritated when they speak about a specific company, and then they start seeing many ads. This is because advertisers track everything done online. There are apps and special software that track what appears on the screen, the types of movies and TV shows being watched, and more. In most cases, people don’t even know they purchased a Smart TV with this tracking app on it.
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Scary, right? One company released information that it collected viewing data from almost 14 million Smart TVs. That means 14 million people were being watched without permission, which would ordinarily be a violation of their rights. Unfortunately, the tracking policy was embedded into a 6,500 -Terms of service agreement hidden on another screen.
Using a VPN
A VPN can help alleviate this tracking by encrypting online data. This software also hides all traffic, the IP address, and location from third parties and prying eyes. The ISP can’t track or see what’s being watched or browsed. Purchasing a VPN router can help secure devices connected to it. One of the disadvantages is that the speed can be slowed down, especially when streaming. This may be a small price to pay for maintaining privacy, though. When in doubt and wanting privacy, a VPN is the way to go.
In addition to using a VPN, users should update their TV and VPN software as soon as notifications come through. Additionally, the settings menu should be searched to turn off tracking features. While most people do not know there is a webcam attached to the television, there may be one there. The user should find the webcam and cover it immediately. If the tv has voice recognition, that should be turned off as well.
What type of VPN should I use?
There are a number of VPNs on the market that have features to accommodate user needs. Doing the research to determine costs and what is needed for use is the first step in determining the right VPN to do what is anticipated.
When selecting a good VPN, a few things should come to mind:
- Cost
Cost is important, especially if they don’t offer the features needed. Look for specials and free trials to ensure the right decision is made.
- No logs
One of the best things good VPN services do is protect privacy. That means there is no log of its users’ activities, so they don’t have to worry about the government or some other agency trying to spy on them or requesting records.
- Speed
Speed is key. Knowing the VPN won’t cause a lag in streaming is very important. As more people cut the cord and only use WiFi, knowing they will be able to watch their programs, uninterrupted is important.
- Servers
Having a large number of servers can help in keeping traffic flowing without interruption.
- Support
Support is key. Why pay for a service when you can’t use it because the customer support is lacking? This is a huge consideration.
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