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Guru3D.com » News » Ransomware now targets Smart TVs

Ransomware now targets Smart TVs

by Hilbert Hagedoorn on: 12/30/2016 09:21 AM | source: | 51 comment(s)
Ransomware now targets Smart TVs

Own a smart TV running Android ? Be warned, ransomware can also infect televisions. Twitter user Darren Cauthon has tweeted how the TV of a family member was bricked after it was infected by ransomware.

The infection took place when the family member downloaded an app to watch a movie reports myce.com. 

Ransomware asks for $500 to unlock device, LG asks for $340 to help

Cauthon says he tried to reset the TV to factory settings, but the reset procedure available online didn't work. When the software engineer contacted LG, the company told him to visit one of their service centers, where one of its employees could reset his TV.

This angered Cauthon because factory reset procedures shouldn't be secret, but also because the service center visit implied a $340 bill. The ransomware asked Cauthon to pay $500 to unlock his TV.

As one commenter on Twitter pointed out, it would be cheaper to buy a new TV. "Avoid these 'smart tvs' like the plague," Cauthon added following his discussion with LG.

Halfway the movie a fake FBI warning popped up stating, “Suspicious files have been found and your attendance of the forbidden pornographic sites has been fixed. For this reason your device has been locked. Information on your location and snapshots containing your face have been uploaded the on the FBI Cybercrime Department Datacenter.”
  

 
The ransom note then lists a penalty that has to be paid within 3 days, in this case $500. Similar ransomware was already found on smartphones and where it’s fairly easy to remove ransomware from a smartphone, on a TV it’s a much more difficult venture.

The affected TV in this case was a three year old and discontinued LG TV (50GA6400). When Cauthon called LG for a fix, the manufacturer didn’t want to explain how to reset the TV to factory settings and the ransomware prevented access to any settings of the TV. It was even impossible to access the section where the payment details of the ransomware are, in case a victim actually hoped the TV would be unlocked when a payment was made.

Nevertheless, after complaining on Twitter and after his Tweet was retweeted and favorited thousands of times, LG contacted Cauthon. His TV is now fixed, as the video below shows.
  



Ransomware now targets Smart TVs




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ladcrooks
Senior Member



Posts: 369
Joined: 2016-12-29

#5376227 Posted on: 12/30/2016 10:09 AM
It's an android tv so i'm not sure whats stopping them installing any random apk from a dodgy pop up ad.

That and it's just the google store

If you're concerned about this happening it might be a good idea to put a lock on installing apps

glad i read your post and straightaway checked my apps on/off on my lg and glad to say it's off! :cheers:

rl66
Senior Member



Posts: 3395
Joined: 2007-05-31

#5376242 Posted on: 12/30/2016 11:39 AM
Tv for tv - pc for porn

I have a smart tv - and i only use the apps that come with it.

Am I still safe?

no as you still use android apps :) even if they come with it (it's maybe even worse from my point)

on other hand the words "smart" and "TV" is a bit an odd association :)

as you said TV is for TV :)

rl66
Senior Member



Posts: 3395
Joined: 2007-05-31

#5376243 Posted on: 12/30/2016 11:43 AM
It's an android tv so i'm not sure whats stopping them installing any random apk from a dodgy pop up ad.

That and it's just the google store

If you're concerned about this happening it might be a good idea to put a lock on installing apps

Google Store is already full of fake app, look how much app they remove each month, app that souldn't have reached the store if they have done their work...

not only he should look at autorisation and remove some... but it will make the app unable to work... and so he bought a "smart"TV that just work as a TV :)

lucidus
Senior Member



Posts: 11835
Joined: 2011-12-31

#5376259 Posted on: 12/30/2016 12:35 PM
It's an android tv so i'm not sure whats stopping them installing any random apk from a dodgy pop up ad.

That and it's just the google store

If you're concerned about this happening it might be a good idea to put a lock on installing apps

Glad I have samsung's store instead then.

scatman839
Senior Member



Posts: 14133
Joined: 2004-11-19

#5376265 Posted on: 12/30/2016 01:06 PM
I don't think it's really an issue unless you're allowing random kids uncontrolled access to your TV.

Or you yourself are installing random dodgy apps

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