Posted by In this day and age, everyone is using some form of technology, whether it’s fitness apps or smart TVs. They may seem harmless to the everyday person, but they come with some dangers.
Your workout app on your phone could be selling your information to third parties, or your LG TV may be spying on you.
This article breaks down the hidden risks that you might overlook when using your favorite fitness apps and smart TVs. Plus, we’ll show you how you can protect yourself in the future.
The Digital Risks We May Overlook
It’s hard to escape the risks associated with using a device connected to the internet, no matter how hard you try. According to a study published by DataReportal, the standard web user uses the internet for 6 hours and 41 minutes every day. It’s understandable that keeping your guard up all this time can be difficult.
Risks with Smart TVs
Here are some digital risks we often overlook while using our smart TVs:
Tracking What You’re Doing
Smart TVs can track what you’re watching or searching, no matter what apps you use. They use this data to do whatever they want with it without your permission. Even if you don’t approve the tracking in the settings sections, sometimes they have requirements written in the fine print. So, always read everything before accepting the terms and conditions.
Watching and Listening
Highly skilled hackers have the capability to break into the webcams and voice recognition software on smart TVs. If they’re successful, they may be able to watch what you’re doing or listen to your conversations in your home.
There have also been instances of cyber criminals hacking smart TVs and installing malware to extort large sums of money from the victims.
Taking Advantage of Outdated Software
Some smart TVs can be used without the latest updates installed. Without these updates, the user can be vulnerable to hackers.
For example, imagine an update message pops up on your screen as you are about to watch your best-loved series. If you’re allowed to skip it, you’re likely going to because you want to start watching the series. Cybercriminals wait for opportunities like this to attack.
Stealing Your Passwords
When your smart TV is connected to the internet, malicious actors could hack your web access. Or try to steal your passwords. According to a study produced by Google, 13% of all people use the same password for every login. If you fall into this category and your smart TV is hacked, your online accounts could be compromised.
Risks with Fitness Apps
Smart TVs are not our only daily companions. Those step-tracking and heart rhythm-measuring apps are also there watching you. Remember that this poses the following risks:
Selling Your Information
When using fitness apps, you typically need to provide information such as your height and weight data, the type of exercises you do, your location, etc. They can sell this data to third parties who can target you with advertisements based on it.
For example, say you were interested in runs and tracking your times. Your fitness app might sell this data, and you could be targeted with ads for new runners and water bottles.
Location Hacking
Popular fitness apps like Strava and Nike Training Club do all they can to protect their user’s information. But sometimes hackers can find ways through barriers and get their hands on data, including user’s locations.
If online attackers can access these details, they could break into your home or extort you for money.
Security Tips for Keeping Yourself When Using Smart TVs and Fitness Apps
While using smart TVs and fitness apps does pose some threats, there are some things you can do to keep yourself safe. Here are some of them:
Security Tips for Smart TVs
- Update your software. It usually only takes 5 to 10 minutes to install a software update on your smart TV. By doing this, you shield yourself from dangerous bugs or breach points.
- Turn on your smart TV’s firewall. Firewalls are great for protecting unauthorized actors from gaining access to your device. However, they don’t always come activated with smart TVs, so make sure they’re turned on.
- Use a VPN for Apple TV. Based on a study done by Statista, 25 million people are signed up for Apple TV Plus. If you download a VPN to use it, you can increase your privacy to safeguard yourself from hackers. Plus, you’ll be able to encrypt your data so that what you’re searching can’t be tracked.
- Put a password on your smart TV. In the settings section on your smart TV, there will be an option to set up a password. You should activate this so intruders won’t be able to log on to it without your permission.
Security Tips for Fitness Apps
- Use reputable apps. No fitness app is perfect, but those with a big reputation know they are more obligated to secure your information. If any story were to come out about them breaching their users’ data, this would damage their image entirely. So they wouldn’t risk it.
- Choose a fake name. There’s no harm in using an alias for a fitness app. This way, if your information is breached, there’s minimum damage.
- Limit access. Fitness apps often ask to have your approval to access your sensitive information. You can limit this in your device’s app’s permission section to only give them what you want.
Conclusion
While smart TVs and fitness apps are fantastic technological advancements, they can be dangerous if you’re not careful. Understanding the risks associated with them and the key security protocols will protect you in the future.