FBI warns that connected televisions can provide hackers a window into homes

Re:FBI warns that connected televisions can provide hackers ... by cameldrv on Tuesday December 03, 2019 @12:30PM (#21694458)

Ultimately, few people understand that this is a problem or that they should want a dumb TV. The manufacturers make money from the smart features by selling the data and by getting a cut of subscription revenue, so smart TVs can be sold cheaper than dumb TVs.

The FBI issuing a warning about this is helpful. It may help create a market for dumb TVs that cost more than smart TVs.

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Re:FBI warns that connected televisions can provide hackers ... by miej on Tuesday December 03, 2019 @01:14PM (#21694917)

so is the fbi just reporting on the cia now? I mean, Project Weeping Angel is pretty well-known by now, right?

ref: https://wikileaks.org/ciav7p1/cms/page_12353643.html

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Re:FBI warns that connected televisions can provide hackers ... by magduf on Wednesday December 04, 2019 @10:53AM (#21703203)

>The manufacturers make money from the smart features by selling the data and by getting a cut of subscription revenue, so smart TVs can be sold cheaper than dumb TVs.

Yeah, this is like how a laptop can be sold cheaper with Windows OS than with Linux: the Windows version is preloaded with a ton of crapware that the mfgr gets paid to preload, so even with the enormous (as a fraction of BOM) price of the Windows license, the laptop comes out cheaper.

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Re:FBI warns that connected televisions can provide hackers ... by kgwxd on Sunday December 08, 2019 @01:54PM (#21737469)

Make a deal to bundle Roku sticks with the TV to reduce the cost maybe?

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Re:FBI warns that connected televisions can provide hackers ... by markstos on Tuesday December 03, 2019 @01:58PM (#21695381)

I understand, but recall seeing literally zero "dumb" TV options at Best Buy at the size I was looking for.

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Re:FBI warns that connected televisions can provide hackers ... by infinite8s on Tuesday December 03, 2019 @04:09PM (#21696725)

Because who is going to buy a more expensive dumb TV? I just buy the smart TV and don't connect it to wifi.

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Re:FBI warns that connected televisions can provide hackers ... by magduf on Wednesday December 04, 2019 @10:53AM (#21703214)

That works if your TV allows that. I'm pretty sure I've read that some models simply won't work if they don't have internet access.

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