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 ransomwar... Ransomware now targets Smart TVs
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.
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?
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:
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Why you thinkg all movies are illegal? not al movies are illegal there are allot of free movies that ar legal.