Smart TV cyber security refers to the measures and practices implemented to protect smart TVs from potential cyber security threats. Smart TVs, like other connected devices, have the capability to connect to the internet, stream content, and interact with other devices. While this connectivity offers numerous benefits, it also introduces cyber security risks.
Smart TV Attack
Our latest video demonstrates an evil maid attack scenario that can occur within any organization.
In our video about Smart TV cyber security (Hacking a Smart TV), an insider plugs a Bad USB Rubber Ducky into the smart TV. Within less than a minute, a payload is executed that sets up a Wi-Fi network for data exfiltration (called Kitty 3) and instructs the TV to connect to it. The payload then uploads a utility that captures the screen before the insider removes the rogue device.
Sometime later, a company meeting takes place whereby a presentation containing sensitive information is displayed on the smart TV. The screen capture utility is screen recording the entire presentation. After the meeting ends, saves the recording as a file on the smart TV.
Through the pre-established Wi-Fi network (Kitty 3), the attacker connects to the smart TV and views and downloads the saved screen recording. Now, the bad actor has access to the confidential data.
Smart TV Cyber Security
As with any connected device, the landscape of smart TV cyber security is continually evolving. Staying vigilant is crucial to ensuring the security and privacy of these devices.
In this case, hacking a smart TV is carried out through a hardware-based attack, and such attacks require physical access. The Rogue Device must be installed by someone. And that “someone” was an insider threat. Moreover, the insider in question is an outsourced cleaner. She was manipulated into assisting in the attack through social engineering (a financial bribe).
Outsourced workers can be valuable in such scenarios. As a staff member, she can gain physical access without raising security alarms, but she has less loyalty to the organization and is, therefore, easier to persuade. Outsourced staff pose a significant cyber security threat to organizations. According to the 2020 Insider Threat Report, contractors, service providers, and temporary workers pose the greatest risk to 50% of organizations.
I Spy with Wi-Fi (and a duck)
The Bad USB Rubber Ducky is a Rogue Device that spoofs a legitimate HID. Gaps in device visibility mean the Rogue Device is not detected, but rather the legitimate device it is impersonating is. As a result, the Rogue Device raises no security alarms. In seconds, covertly hacks the smart TV, instructing it to connect to a specific Wi-Fi network – Kitty3, the attacker’s pre-established network. This connection is what provides the perpetrator with remote access to the organization after disconnecting the attack tool.
Sepio and Smart TV Cyber Security
Sepio platform solution to provide a panacea to the gap in device visibility. Furthermore, as the leader in Rogue Device Mitigation (RDM), Sepio’s solution identifies, detects, and handles all peripherals. No device goes unmanaged.
In addition to the deep visibility layer, a comprehensive policy enforcement mechanism recommends on best practice policy and allows the administrator to define a strict, or more granular, set of rules for the system to enforce. Such capabilities enable a Zero Trust Hardware Access approach, and when a device breaches the pre-set policy, Sepio automatically instigates a mitigation process that instantly blocks unapproved or Rogue hardware. Sepio is deployed without any hardware, and there is no need for traffic monitoring.
A smart TV might be smart, but we are smarter – give us 24 hours to show you.
Check out our Mission Possible series for more videos like this! Each video shows a hardware-based attack that can be carried out in places that you wouldn’t even expect. Such as your office, whether it is in the center of the city, or your home in a quiet neighborhood.
You’ve seen these types of attacks in movies and TV shows, but did you think that it was just good editing and special effects? No, these attacks don’t just take place on the silver screen… The smart TV at your office that displays your company presentation can be hacked too.
