FBI warns that connected Smart TV's can provide hackers a window into your homes

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The Federal Bureau of Investigation is warning smart TV owners about hackers. 

People can tap into your smart TV to spy on you, according to the FBI. 

"At the low end of the risk spectrum, they can change channels, play with the volume, and show your kids inappropriate videos," the FBI said in a release. 

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However, hackers can do more damage. 

"In a worst-case scenario, they can turn on your bedroom TV's camera and microphone and silently cyberstalk you," the release read. 

A 2018 Consumer Report investigation found millions of smart TVs had security flaws.  Some models are even being designed with facial recognition technology, allowing for the television to determine who is watching and make suggestions for new programmes to enjoy based on individual viewing histories. 

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Another recent study also found several devices automatically send data to Amazon, Facebook and Netflix. 

If that thought makes you uncomfortable, some TVs have settings that let you turn off "viewer information services." 

To deter hackers, you can disable the microphone on your smart TV remote and put black tape over the camera on your TV, according to the FBI.   


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