Federal Bureau of Investigation warned US citizens that hackers can watch and monitor them through modern TVs.
It goes without saying that ordinary people can be watched via smart camcorders. Therefore, these cameras must be “sealed ” when not in use.
Smart TVs have built-in internet access to watch streaming media content.
Technically, it’s a hybrid between a PC and a TV. That’s why the FBI triggered the alarm – any ordinary computer can be hacked, which means it can be done with smart TVs.
Many smart TVs are equipped with camcorders and microphones. If hackers break into your TV, they will be able to watch and hear you, and you won’t even notice it.
But, hackers will not stop until they penetrate your TV. If their activity is not stopped, they will reach your smartphone and laptop using your data.
The FBI advises:
“Don’t rely on the default settings. Protect your privacy by putting, for example, an opaque adhesive tape on your cameras when not in use. “
This warning was posted on November 26, 2019 by FBI staff at the Bureau’s official website.
The warning was deliberately issued before Black Friday and Cyber Monday, known for selling people a variety of things, including digital equipment and smart TVs.
The warning also says:
“If they get access to your equipment, in the simplest case, they will modify your channel list or show inappropriate videos to your children. At worst, they will unnoticed, turn on the camera and microphone, even in your bedroom.”
It is reported that if citizens spot cyber fraud cases, they can always ‘knock’ at the FBI’s local office or file a complaint online through a dedicated website.
All of this provokes conspiracy theorists to ask questions, such as: who should be more guarded by hackers or special services? Isn’t this evidence that the FBI is spying on people the same way? Why is this information given? What is the FBI’s intended purpose?