Privacy is a very important factor for users. We live in an age in which our data has great value online and there are many marketing companies looking for ways to obtain it. Now, luckily it also depends largely on us, on the use we make of the technology and the tools we use. In this article we are going to give some tips to prevent Smart TVs from spying on us and, ultimately, put our privacy at risk.
Smart TVs can spy on users
As we say, our information has great value online. Many companies can search for ways to obtain this data through tricks and functions. Our data can be used to include us in spam campaigns, send targeted advertising or even be sold to third parties for profit.
We have seen how important social networks have used dubious techniques to achieve user data . Also many services and platforms on the Internet. But yes, the Smart TVs that we have in our homes could also spy on us. A way to collect information about our tastes, about what we see and later add those data for statistical purposes, include us in advertising campaigns, etc.
Beware of installed programs
Without a doubt, something fundamental to prevent the Smart TV from spying on us is to be very careful with the installed programs . In many cases this type of device can collect data through the software we add. They are generally applications that can offer certain interesting functions but that in turn may compromise our information.
It is vital that we always install official software and from legitimate sources. In addition, we must be well informed about its usefulness and possible hidden functions it may have.
Take a good look at the security and privacy settings
We will also have to observe very well the configuration of the device itself . Typically, it has settings related to security and privacy. We can change the values to make our data always protected.
This is something that we should apply to any type of device that we use, but lately it is the Smart TVs that worry many users. We need to have a better understanding of the settings they have and to be able to limit some aspects that are not positive for privacy.
The devices we connect can be a problem
Another problem may be the additional devices that we connect. We talk about other equipment such as video players that in turn may have certain characteristics and functions to collect user data. They might know what we see, for example.
It is important that we also apply the appropriate security and privacy measures on these devices. This way we can further protect our data and avoid problems.
Keep the software updated
Of course you can not miss the fact of keeping the device software updated . Sometimes vulnerabilities arise that can be exploited by hackers to carry out their attacks. It is very important that we always have the latest security patches and updates and thus have the devices protected.
Delete possible stored data
Sometimes Smart TVs can store data from our use. They collect information about what series or movies we have seen, for example. Also about Internet browsing. We will always have the possibility to delete those data stored on the device and prevent them from being used to put our privacy at risk.
Correctly encrypt the device
Finally, something fundamental is also to correctly encrypt the device . This means that we are going to have to create a password that is strong and complex. It must contain letters (upper and lower case), numbers and other special symbols. In this way we can prevent the entry of possible intruders who may put our privacy at risk at any time.
In short, these are some tips to avoid being spied on by a Smart TV. Common sense will always be very important, since sometimes it is the mistakes that users make that can expose our information.
