Is Your Smart TV Spying On You?

As the result of the growing popularity of smart TVs, security experts have found that the voice recording option in Samsung smart TVs is even less secure than many had originally thought. According to Samsung, the voice recognition software used in the company’s smart TVs shares the voice data obtained with other third parties, containing data that is unencrypted and potentially vulnerable to hackers. Although the voice recognition is not activated until directed by the user, once voice recognition is activated, the TV automatically begins listening. Researchers found that when requesting a web search for Samsung, the voice recording often directed users to Nuance servers rather than legitimate sources. Because the stream does not use an HTTP protocol, the voice data is transmitted through various vulnerable XML and binary data that lack SSL encryption. Researchers have determined that if they were able gain the ability to track voice data back to Nuance servers, with the proper access to smart TV and home network credentials, potential perpetrators could do the same. Although it is unlikely for users to research compromising information via voice search on smart TVs, the issue of personal data being leaked is an issue that effects nearly everyone. With an increasing number of businesses implementing various kinds of technologies in all aspects of the workplace, such as smart TVs, the importance of preventing the exposure of confidential information will only continue to grow with time. Taino Consulting Group offers the security solutions to ensure your company’s cyber and physical security. For more information, contact us at info@tainocg.com.  

http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2015/02/18/samsung-tv-security-hole-opens-door-for-hackers/