Ransomware now targets Smart TVs
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sammarbella
:3eyes:
lucidus
Did he hack his own TV to allow unauthorized apps to be installed? I'd really be surprised if LG hosted rogue apps on their app store. At least on my samsung (2014 android) TV I don't feel any worry about the apps hosted on their app store.
The line about installing an app to watch movies was a dead give away as all smart tv's come with regionally relevant apps preinstalled these days.
ladcrooks
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?
SirDremor
Time for a conspiracy theory linking Ransomware and TV manufacturers!
scatman839
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
ladcrooks
glad i read your post and straightaway checked my apps on/off on my lg and glad to say it's off! :cheers:
rl66
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
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
Glad I have samsung's store instead then.
scatman839
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
Fender178
Man this sucked that this happened to this person but this could have been avoided by finding a different reputable source for movies there are stuff that exists like that. Also watch and make sure any of the family members are not downloading apps that seem fishy. I just got a Samsung smart TV as a Christmas gift and it has wired and wireless internet access so if you must get a Smart TV try getting one with Wired ethernet to increase security.
Hughesy
I would show sympathy, but as the person was trying to watch something for free that most pay for, the person has nobody to blame.
Labyrinth
Seems like his own fault anyway, I've never come across any viruses or malware, since using Android.
That said, manufacturers should include methods of factory reset with manuals, if the device is not able boot.
Ghosty
I've personally never had any problems with my Sony 2015 android TV. Unless you are installing non official APK files, you are more than safe.
Extraordinary
My 'smart' TV wouldn't even know what to do with malware, it would probably run the file and continue sitting there, on the wooden bench, chewing a piece of straw, looking out to sea with a blank expression on it's face
Loophole35
I like how the dude said he was mad a LG. You admitted that your family member installed an app to watch a movie. So you admit to piracy. BTW love my 2015 Sony android based TV.
schmidtbag
I don't understand the point of modifying a smart TV. Sure, some of them are crap, but many of them can play just about anything you need them to. My TV for example has a built-in Roku. That has apps that can play media from DLNA servers. It allows for wireless streaming of your display too, though admittedly it isn't very cooperative.
Mda400
Didn't know Pennsylvania was spelt with one N. :thumbup:
Loophole35
You know perfectly well that is not the case for this instance. They used some dodgy source and got malware. Had he used Hulu, Vudu, Netflix, Google play or any other reputable streaming service this would not happen. He said that his relative had to download a a program to watch a movie. Andriod based TV's can decode most movie files off a thumb drive as is. This is a case of someone using a dodgy site to watch something.
fry178
@devil-strike
the movies aren't illegal.
its they way "you" get them, that is.
if i fill up my car at an illegal gas station in a backyard, you think the company will cover a broken engine? no.
so why should LG cover a user caused problem.
and please show me where a "legal" site/app caused same problem, when trying to watch a movies.
you don't get ransomware installed when watching sesame street.
