Smart TVs are becoming more popular and versatile, but they also pose some security risks. If you connect your smart TV to your home network, you need to take some precautions to protect your privacy and data. Here are some tips on how to secure your smart TV on your home network.
The first step is to review your smart TV settings and disable any features that you don't need or use. For example, you might want to turn off voice recognition, automatic updates, or data sharing with third-party apps. You should also check the privacy policy and terms of service of your smart TV manufacturer and any streaming services you use, and opt out of any data collection or advertising that you don't agree with.
The second step is to keep your smart TV firmware up to date. Firmware is the software that runs your smart TV and controls its functions. Updating your firmware can fix bugs, improve performance, and patch security vulnerabilities. You can check for firmware updates manually or enable automatic updates in your smart TV settings. However, be careful not to download updates from untrusted sources or links, as they might contain malware or spyware.
The third step is to use a strong password for your smart TV and your home network. A strong password is one that is long, complex, and unique. It should not contain any personal information, common words, or easy patterns. You should also change your password regularly and avoid using the same password for different accounts or devices. A strong password can prevent hackers from accessing your smart TV or your network and stealing your data or hijacking your device.
The fourth step is to connect your smart TV to a secure network. A secure network is one that uses encryption, authentication, and firewall to protect your data and devices. Encryption scrambles your data so that only authorized parties can read it. Authentication verifies the identity of the devices and users that access your network. Firewall blocks unwanted or malicious traffic from entering or leaving your network. You can secure your network by using a wireless router that supports WPA2 or WPA3 encryption, setting up a guest network for visitors, and enabling parental controls or filters.
The fifth step is to install a VPN on your smart TV or your router. A VPN is a virtual private network that creates a secure tunnel between your device and the internet. A VPN can hide your IP address, encrypt your traffic, and bypass geo-restrictions or censorship. A VPN can also prevent your internet service provider, your smart TV manufacturer, or any third-party apps from tracking your online activity or selling your data. You can install a VPN on your smart TV if it supports it, or on your router if it doesn't.
The sixth step is to be careful with the apps that you install and use on your smart TV. Apps can enhance your smart TV experience, but they can also expose you to security risks. Some apps might request excessive permissions, access your personal data, or contain malware or spyware. You should only download apps from trusted sources, such as the official app store or website of your smart TV manufacturer or streaming service. You should also review the app ratings, reviews, and privacy policies, and delete any apps that you don't use or trust.
Another thing to secure your smart TV is by using a segmented network or VLAN if you have that kind of control or knowledge of how to. Usually found in advanced settings on most routers.