Warning issued to UK households with a smart TV

A warning has been issued to people across the UK with a smart . The TVs, which provide access to streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, have surged in popularity over recent years due to their convenience.

However, a recent report has revealed that they pose some unknown risks. As reported by , Brits are being urged to be aware of the dangers of owning a smart TV. Consumer group Which? has discovered the devices have limited software support and can be vulnerable to hackers.

Smart TV owners are being advised to secure their smart TV by making sure its software is always up-to-date. Many smart TVs, including from brands such as Sony, LG and Samsung, are only supported with updates for two to three years after their launch meaning a device bought in 2022 may already be susceptible to hackers.

As well as ensuring your smart TV has the latest software update, the Which? report recommends securing your network connection with strong passwords. A virtual private network (VPN) can also be deployed for added protection.

Hackers often target sensitive data such as locations, phone numbers and photos. They then send this information to other hackers for use in other crimes.

In 2013, login credentials were stolen from smart TVs and other devices which put people who reuse passwords in danger. This is why it's important to always make sure you have an indepdent and strong password.

Hackers have also been known to control TV devices remotely. They have been able to change volume levels, channels and disconnect from Wi-Fi.

Which? says smart TV owners should disable features when they're not in use. These include microphones or cameras, which some people also choose to physically cover while not being used.

There are a number of ways to spot if your smart TV has been hacked. These include slow performance or the appearance of unexpected messages.

Hackers may also download unfamiliar apps on your device or change the settings. Users should regularly check their privacy settings to make sure data collection is restricted as much as possible.

However, some smart TVs also send data back to the manufacturer of the device. Vizio was previously fined $2.2m (£1.6m) for selling information on users' viewing habits to advertisers without consent.