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Android-Based Smart TVs Aren't That Smart When You Install Malware On Them (softpedia.com)

Posted by timothy on from the feed-them-a-few-ted-talks dept.

An anonymous reader writes: Smart TVs running older versions of the Android operating system are being infected with malware that was specifically built to target smart TVs. Infections occur via applications downloaded from a series of sites ran under the H.TV brand. These are websites that offer applications specifically built for Android smart TVs that allow users to watch TV channels from other regions of the globe. As usual, these apps are side-loaded from unofficial app stores. Fortunately, it's not a smart TV ransomware.

3 of 89 comments (clear)

  1. And this is news? by bogaboga · · Score: 1, Insightful

    Android-Based Smart TVs Aren't That Smart When You Install Malware On Them

    I think this is obvious. Is there anyone who thinks otherwise? Anyway, why is this a headline on Slashdot? I sincerely just don't get it.

  2. The smart thing.. by wbr1 · · Score: 2, Insightful
    ...is to get a commercial display. No smart IOT OS crap to get bloated, infected or ignored when the next 4k model comes out. Hook whatever inputs you want to it and have your intelligence there.

    Since I like Neweggs stance on patents, here is a non affiliate link to some examples: http://www.newegg.com/Commerci...

    --
    Silence is a state of mime.
  3. Re:That's a Plus by ArmoredDragon · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Perhaps next time you could come forth with a technical solution beyond "dumb the fuck out of it", which only makes you look like a moron.

    There's actually a good reason for that without even getting into security issues: Odds are those "smart" features will be obsolete before your TV is, so instead of paying extra for "smart" features, it's probably better to pay less for an STB that you can replace every so often instead.

    Even if they don't go obsolete, chances are your TV manufacturer won't provide any feature additions as they come. If you want them, you'll have to buy next year's model, which is dumb.