U.S.
Senator Chuck Schumer of New York is calling on major television manufacturers
to come up with a uniform standard of security to be used in all new internet
and video-enabled televisions that would prevent hackers from spying on
consumers.
The new
so-called “smart TV’s” feature embedded cameras and microphones like the ones
found in new laptop and netbook computers. The sets are sold in stores as
“internet ready,” and the devices they contain are capable of being remotely
activated. Therefore, as Schumer says, your TV may be watching YOU!
Schumer
wants manufacturers to establish a uniform security standard that would be
followed industry-wide. The average consumer is unaware that computer-networked
appliances can be hacked. Security researchers found one brand to be
particularly vulnerable: they were able to hijack the set's web browser in
certain models of Samsung Smart TVs and use it to turn on the built-in-camera.
Greg
McNeal is a law professor at Pepperdine University in California. He warns
civil liberties may be violated if police or government officials use your TV
to pry into your private life. McNeal uses old-school technology to
thwart electronic peeping toms: he puts a piece of tape over the camera on his
laptop when he's not on Skype.
Schumer
argues the burden shouldn't be on the consumer to use tape or a sticker like
McNeal does, nor should set owners follow one manufacturer’s suggestion that to
combat hackers, the TV should be unplugged when not in use.
Don’t be
the next victim. Protect yourself now
with a webcam cover by C-SLIDE.
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