Smart TV cyber security refers to the measures and practices implemented to protect cyber smart TV devices from potential security threats. As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to expand, smart TVs have become a standard feature in both homes and businesses, offering seamless connectivity to the internet, streaming platforms, and other networked devices. However, this increased connectivity also brings significant security risks, making smart TVs vulnerable to a wide range of cyber attacks.
Smart TV Cyber Attack
In our video about Smart TV cyber security, an insider connects a Bad USB Rubber Ducky to the smart TV. Within seconds, a malicious payload is executed—creating a Wi-Fi network for data exfiltration and instructing the TV to connect to it. The payload then installs a screen-capturing utility before the rogue device is removed.
Later, during a company meeting, a presentation containing sensitive information is displayed on the smart TV. Meanwhile, the screen capture utility is recording the entire presentation. After the meeting ends, the recording is saved as a file on the smart TV.
Through the pre-established Wi-Fi network, the attacker remotely connects to the smart TV, accesses the stored recording, and downloads the confidential content. With just a simple hardware-based exploit, sensitive data falls into the wrong hands.
Smart TV Security Risks
As with any connected device, the landscape of smart TV cyber security is constantly evolving. To ensure the privacy and protection of these devices, it’s essential to proactively address smart TV security risks. Vigilance is key to defending against emerging threats and preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information.
In the case we demonstrated, the smart TV was compromised through a hardware-based attack, a method that requires physical access to the device. The rogue device wasn’t planted remotely; it had to be installed by someone on the inside. In this scenario, that “someone” was an insider: an outsourced cleaner who was manipulated into helping carry out the attack via social engineering, specifically through a financial bribe.
Outsourced workers often present opportunities for attackers. As non-permanent staff, they can gain physical access without raising security alarms, but their weaker loyalty to the organization makes them more susceptible to persuasion. Outsourced staff represent a significant cybersecurity risk to organizations. According to the 2020 Insider Threat Report, contractors, service providers, and temporary workers pose the greatest risk to 50% of organizations.
How the Bad USB Compromises Smart TV Security
The Bad USB Rubber Ducky is a rogue device that mimics a legitimate Human Interface Device (HID ). Due to visibility gaps in detecting malicious USB devices, the smart TV’s security fails to identify the rogue hardware—recognizing only the legitimate device it mimics. As a result, no security alarms are triggered. As a result, no alarms are triggered, and the attack proceeds unnoticed. Within seconds, the device executes a covert payload that instructs the smart TV to connect to a specific Wi-Fi network, a network pre-established by the attacker for data exfiltration. Once connected, the attacker gains remote access to the organization’s environment, even after the rogue device has been physically removed.
How to Protect Your Smart TV from Cyber Threats
To safeguard your Smart TV from USB-based attacks and other potential hacking methods, follow these best practices:
- Avoid Untrusted USB Devices: Never insert USB drives from unknown or untrusted sources. These could be used to deliver malicious payloads, like the Bad USB Rubber Ducky.
- Disable Debugging Features: Turn off USB debugging or developer options unless absolutely necessary. These features can leave your device vulnerable to exploitation.
- Regular Firmware Updates: Keep your Smart TV’s firmware up-to-date. Manufacturers frequently release updates that patch security vulnerabilities, making it harder for attackers to compromise your device.
- Scan USB Devices: Before connecting any USB device to your Smart TV, scan it using trusted cybersecurity solutions. This can help prevent the introduction of rogue devices into your network.
- Secure Your Network: Use a strong, encrypted Wi-Fi connection with robust authentication protocols. This limits remote access to your Smart TV and prevents unauthorized devices from connecting.
- Limit Device Permissions: Restrict the permissions on your Smart TV, especially when connecting to external devices. This helps prevent the automatic execution of malicious files.
- Use Strong Passwords: Protect your Wi-Fi and Smart TV accounts with strong, unique passwords. This adds an additional layer of protection against unauthorized access.
By taking these precautions, you can mitigate the risk of cyber threats targeting your Smart TV. If you’re uncertain about securing your IoT devices, Sepio provides solutions and guidance to help protect your network and devices from rogue threats.
Sepio’s Endpoint and Network Cyber Security
Sepio’s platform delivers a comprehensive solution to close the gap in device visibility. As the leader in Rogue Device Mitigation (RDM), Sepio’s technology identifies, detects, and manages all peripherals, ensuring no device goes undetected or unmanaged.
Beyond visibility, Sepio provides a robust policy enforcement mechanism that recommends best practices and allows administrators to define strict or more granular security policies. This capability supports a Zero Trust Hardware Access (ZTHA) approach. When a device violates a pre-set policy, Sepio automatically initiates a mitigation process, instantly blocking unauthorized or rogue hardware. Deployment is seamless, Sepio requires no additional hardware and operates without traffic monitoring.
Check out our Mission Possible series for more eye-opening videos! Each episode reveals real-world hardware-based attacks in places you’d never expect, whether in a high-security corporate office or a quiet home setting.
You’ve seen these attacks in movies and TV shows, but did you think they were just Hollywood fiction? Think again. These threats are real. The cyber smart TV at your office that displays your company presentation can be hacked too.
