Your smart TV might be hacked! Spot these signs and fix them right now
One of the most noticeable signs is the sudden appearance of pop-up ads that don't belong. We're talking about full-screen promos for sketchy antivirus tools, gambling sites or fake streaming apps, some even disguised to look like system alerts or software updates. If you click on one and it redirects you to a dodgy website, that's a major red flag. Sometimes, these pop-ups won't even go away even after rebooting.
Seeing apps you never installed
Smart TVs, especially those running on Android TV, let users install third-party apps. But malware can hijack that feature. If you start seeing unfamiliar apps on your home screen, often with odd names or icons that don't match your typical app collection, it's time to investigate. These apps might be tracking your activity or worse, opening backdoors to your Wi-Fi network.
Performance Drops and screen starts crashing
Sure, a TV slows down over time. But if it starts crashing, freezing or lagging out of nowhere, despite having plenty of storage or up-to-date software, there's a fair chance that a malware is at play. Some malicious software overloads your system's resources, making basic navigation or streaming feel like a chore.
Unusual or sudden high data usage
Your smart TV is always online as it keeps checking for updates, syncing apps and preloading content, so a bit of background data usage is not a problem. But if your internet starts slowing down for no obvious reason, or your TV seems to be hogging bandwidth even when it's on standby, it might be time to dig deeper.
Malware often operates silently, connecting to unknown servers, downloading suspicious files or routing external traffic without any visible signs on screen. These hidden tasks can not only eat up your data but also affect the speed and stability of other devices on the same network.
Random access requests for microphone, camera or Bluetooth
Ever had your smart TV suddenly ask to access the microphone, camera or Bluetooth even when you're just watching a show or doing absolutely nothing? It might feel like a random bug, and most people just click 'deny' and move on. But if these prompts keep showing up for no clear reason, it could mean an app or process is quietly running in the background without your knowledge.
Not only this, you might also start seeing pairing requests from unknown phones, speakers or nearby devices you don't recognise. These small but frequent nudges often serve as the only warning signs that something is trying to connect or spy without permission.
Quick fixes to secure your smart TV Review and remove suspicious apps. If the same apps reappear, disable installations from unknown sources and change your Wi-Fi password. Temporarily disconnect your TV from Wi-Fi and run a virus or malware scan if your TV supports it. If problems persist after basic cleanup, perform a factory reset to wipe out deeper malware and restore default settings. Always keep your smart TV software up to date. Firmware updates often include important security patches that close potential loopholes. Monitor your network traffic by logging in to your router's admin panel or companion app to see real-time data usage. If your TV is unusually active when not in use, disconnect it and monitor the network for changes. Review app permissions, especially those requesting access to your mic, camera or Bluetooth. Disable any unnecessary features and remove pairing options for unknown devices.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
7 hours ago
- Hans India
Whoop 5.0 vs 4.0? What's The Difference?
Fitness trackers are becoming increasingly popular day by day. These days, even people who aren't into fitness want a fitness tracker because it's not just about the steps but about being informed and motivated. If you are someone who is into fitness, then the Whoop fitness tracker is something you must have heard of. This smart wearable is designed to monitor your body's performance day and night. After the success of Whoop 4.0, the brand is back with its latest version, the Whoop 5.0. But with the launch of Whoop 5.0, many are asking the big question: What's new compared to Whoop 4.0? Read more to know the major difference between Whoop 5.0 and 4.0, and what remains the same. Better Bluetooth Connection One of the major problems in Whoop 4.0 was its connection issues, especially when syncing with fitness apps or smartwatches. With 5.0, those problems are largely fixed as it has been upgraded to dual-band Bluetooth. In simple words, it connects more smoothly and reliably to your phone and other devices. More Accurate Tracking in Tough Conditions Whoop 4.0 faced some tracking issues during intense workouts. Whoop 5.0 brings improved heart rate tracking, even during intense workouts. Whether you're running, cycling, or doing high-intensity training, you'll get more accurate readings thanks to upgraded sensors. Better Compatibility with Other Devices Fitness lovers often use multiple gadgets. Whoop 5.0 makes it easier to pair with devices like smartwatches, gym equipment, or apps like Apple Health and Strava. This wasn't as smooth on the 4.0 version. Same Design The sleek, screenless design of Whoop made heads turn and became its identity. That's the reason the brand decided not to bring major changes to the design. It's light, comfortable, and meant to be worn all day and night and even in the shower. Battery Life Remains the Same Both Whoop 4.0 and 5.0 offer around 4–5 days of battery life, which is pretty impressive considering they track you 24/7. You still get the handy on-the-go battery pack, so you don't need to take it off to charge. The Main Question – Should You Upgrade? If you are already using the Whoop 4.0 and it works well for you, then the upgrade is not really necessary. But if you want better connectivity, improved accuracy, and a smoother experience with your other fitness devices, Whoop 5.0 is a smart move.
Indian Express
14 hours ago
- Indian Express
Under a Thousand: A Bubble-y keyboard for tablet-types!
Bluetooth keyboards have long been considered must-have accessories for those who wish to use their tablets (whether iPads or Android ones) in notebook mode. The catch is that most good Bluetooth keyboards not only come with slightly stiff price tags, but also that they have no facility to prop up a tablet, so one has to invest in either a stand or a tablet cover with a stand. Logitech showed that it is possible for a Bluetooth to also have a space for placing gadgets like a phone or a tablet in its famous Logitech K480 keyboard, but that came with a Rs 3,999 price tag (it is more affordable now, but is not as useful given the straight side design of tablets and phones). Also, most of the lower priced Bluetooth keyboards tend to be a little on the smaller side, and sacrifice functionality for the sake of a more affordable price tag. Portronics is looking to change all that with the Bubble 3.0 wireless keyboard, which has been launched recently at Rs 999, and comes loaded with features. The first thing that strikes you about the Portronics Bubble 3.0 is just how sturdily built it is. At 39 centimeters in length, it is on the long side, and is about 3 centimeters tall when placed on its retractable stand. At about 800 grams, it is slightly on the heavier side, but has a very solid feel about it. The keyboard is available in a single colour, black, at the time of writing, and it cuts a smart figure. It has a six row alphabet and shortcut layout, and on its right side, a full number pad. Its most striking feature is a long, trench-like depression above the top row, which Portronics calls the 'mobile and tablet holder space.' It is very similar to what we have seen on some other keyboards, but in a neat touch, the Bubble 3.0 also has small pads on the upper side of the holder space to keep tablets and mobile phones steady, reducing the chances of their tipping over and falling (something that now happens with the Logitech K480, thanks to the straight-side design of gadgets). The right side of the keyboard has a type-C port for charging, while on the back of the keyboard are two retractable legs or stands that can be pulled out to give one a slightly higher perspective, The mobile and tablet holding space on the top is large enough for a tablet and a phone to be kept side by side if needed. Most of the keys are round in shape and are slightly on the smaller side, but are well spaced out and have decent travel, to give you a slightly punchy feeling while typing. Of course, the keyboard is not backlit, hut there are three connectivity keys that are in white to allow you to switch between connected devices. There is also a tiny display on the top right corner, right above the number pad, which shows the devices to which you have connected the keyboard to, and also lets you know when you need to recharge the battery – a very handy touch which we hope other manufacturers pick up. Next to it is a slider that lets you switch off the keyboard, and move it into wireless or Bluetooth mode. The spacebar comes with large Portronics branding, which looks a little loud (the branding could have been placed more subtly), but all said and done, the Portronics Bubble 3.0 looks like a big, solidly built keyboard. The Portronics Bubble 3.0 works very well too. Pairing it in wireless mode is as simple as attaching the USB connector to the tablet or notebook (which can be a bit of a challenge, as it is a USB Type A, and will not plug straight into most tablets, so you will need an adaptor) and then type away. The process is slightly more elaborate when you connect the device over Bluetooth – you need to press the Fn key and one of three buttons, and then choose the keyboard in the Bluetooth settings of the device. You can use this process to connect up to three devices to the keyboard, and keep switching between them, by hitting the white key you have linked to each device. We connected the keyboard to our OnePlus Pad 3, iPad Air 13 and iPhone 16 Pro Max, and while the switching is not super smooth – there is a clear pause as you move from one device to an other – it is pretty effective. Interestingly, both the OnePlus Pad 3 and the iPad Air 13 are large tablets, but we found we could use them in portrait as well as landscape mode in the holding space, without ever worrying about them tipping over (we recommend keeping the stand out for greater stability). The typing experience on the Portronics Bubble 3.0 is a good one. As we mentioned earlier, the keys are not large, but they have decent travel and for the most part, typing is a smooth process. The number pad is handy, and the row of shortcuts on the top of the keyboard also make the whole typing process easier, by letting you change volume, open mail, and switch to the home screen by just tapping two buttons (the Fn key and the relevant button). We would have ideally liked to have to hit just one button to use a shortcut, but this is hardly a deal breaker. You will also need to get used to the key layout and shortcuts, but once you get the hang of it, the Portronics Bubble is a solid performer. Battery life is pretty good too. Portronics has given non official figure in this regard, saying that the keyboard can last for 'days' on a single charge, and we have so far used the keyboard for almost five days without needing a recharge at any stage, The presence of USB Type-C charging means you can recharge the keyboard using your phone's charger, and do not have to worry about carry AAA cells along. We would have liked to be able to see the level of charge left in the battery, though. The Portronics Bubble 3.0 does have its issue. Although Portronics has provided a number pad, the arrow keys on the main keyboard are on the small side – we ended up using the ones on the number pad. And while the existing shortcut keys are handy, there is no screen lock/unlock key, which meant we had to keep reaching out to swipe up on our tablets,. which can be a little inconvenient. Finally, there is the matter of weight and size. The Portronics Bubble 3.0 is actually longer than most notebooks, so it is not very easy to carry around unless you have a very spacious backpack. However, those are minor quibbles when one considers what the keyboard delivers at its price. For less than a thousand Rupees, one gets a full keyboard with a number pad and space to prop up a tablet and/or phone, multi-device connectivity, USB Type-C charging, and Bluetooth as well as wireless connectivity. All in a sturdy enough design. It is not perfect (what is?), but you are unlikely to get a better Bluetooth keyboard deal at this price, especially if you value a number pad and want a keyboard that can handle multiple devices, without you having to invest in a stand to prop[ them up on. It will take a bit of space in your backpack and add to its weight too, but we think it is well worth it, given its amazing price tag.
Deccan Herald
a day ago
- Deccan Herald
Gadgets Weekly: New Asus Vivobook 14 PC and more
Asus Vivobook 14 (X1407QA) Philips Bluetooth speakers Philips TAS1400 (left) and Philips TAS2400 (right). Credit: TPV India Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI and 16S AI series laptops Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI (left) and Predator Helios Neo 16S AI (right). Credit: Acer India ViewSonic SP7, X1-4K Pro and X2-4K Pro TV Projectors
