Category: Safety | Internet Security

Smart TVs are no longer a rarity in modern homes. They are more common than fridges and stoves. With recent years having seen the arrival of internet-connected televisions, the raised threat of cyber challenges is not to be dismissed.

According to a recent discovery, over 91,000 smart TVs are exposed, and face potential cyberattacks around the globe, putting the need for more security on the front line.

Secure Your Smart TV Against Cyber Threats

Using a VPN for your smart TV can enhance security by encrypting your internet connection and masking your online activities from potential cyber threats. This is particularly useful when accessing geo-restricted content securely and privately.

What Are the Risks?

Smart TVs, like smartphones and computers, can easily be hacked by cybercriminals as a means to spy on users, phish sensitive information, and even remotely control the user’s TV. These vulnerabilities usually come because they are smart through the connectivity to the internet, which allows the streaming and browsing capability.

Making Smart TV Security Smarter

One should never assume that a Smart TV first set up in your home is ready to safely use “out of the box”.  True, there are default security settings that come with every new Smart TV, but these are minimum safety measures at best. Here are things you will need to take care of to protect your home and family from hackers.

Make Regular Upgrades

One of the simplest yet effective ways to secure a Smart TV is to keep the software updated. Most manufacturers are willing to send out updates to patch bugs and close some security loopholes. Updating the operating system and applications on TV is important to decrease the risk of any possible exploits.

Make Your Home Network Secure

Your smart TV’s security largely depends on your house’s network security. Keep all your passwords for the Wi-Fi network and router strong and unique. The risks for security can be greatly reduced if default settings are not used and router firmware is updated periodically.

Make Use of the Standard Security Measures

Of course, a user would not notice many things on a smart TV because it has some security settings. For instance, inactive features like the camera or microphone can be turned off to avoid remote spying. Moreover, activating the built-in firewall will provide one more defense layer to thwart an attack.

Handle Applications with Care

Only install apps from the official store of your TV’s operating system. Most third-party apps have been identified as sources of cloaked malware. Developer details should be valid, and user reviews of the application should assist in judging the originality of the application before downloading.

Protect Personal Information

Smart TVs can store huge amounts of personal data, from Wi-Fi passwords to streaming service credentials. Be conscious about what you save on the device and ensure that sensitive data is always behind a strong password. Observe Traffic Behavior Monitor network activity for unusual behavior; unauthorized access is usually characterized by unusual behavior, such as unexplained spikes in data use. Use network traffic-monitoring tools and apps that provide the capacity to send an alert on time regarding security breaches.

With the increasing number of smart TVs in our homes, it is important to ensure the security of these devices. Subsequently, users can tap into the colossal benefits of their smart TVs without risking privacy and security if they remain aware of what there is and play a proactive role in securing it.

Statista data shows that cloud-based databases hold more than 60% of corporate data. By 2025, it is predicted the databases will be holding more than 200 zettabytes of data. These environments hold data backups, log files, media files, and many sensitive files. Cloud security was introduced in 2008. The goal was to create systems that protect the growing volumes of data in these spaces.

Today, the measures are divided into a series of procedures and technologies. They all work to prevent and deal with both internal and external data threats. The need for proactive and reactive security measures increased with the introduction of digital transformation. Part of the framework includes cloud-based security services and an array of cloud-based tools.

Cloud security basics and evolution

The main concept of cloud computing in terms of security is taking shared responsibility. Amazon was the first to install a business-oriented cloud – the Elastic Computer Cloud in 2006. Later, Amazon upgraded to AWS. Google launched GCP and Microsoft implemented Azure. Soon, the 3 major clouds began to experience serious security threats.

The top threats were account manipulation and brute force breaches. Application access theft was also common. As more organizations bought storage spaces in the cloud, more security problems appeared. Organizations began to deal with malware, data losses, login theft, and API attacks. Stricter solutions had to be implemented.

Cloud computing gave a boost to remote work and cloud storage. It also attracted networks of organized cybercrime. Brute force attacks have recently become popular as a result. The attackers use trial and error methods to get login data and crack passwords. Many of them try to get end to end encryption keys to decrypt data. Cyber attackers use many more methods such as malware and ransom attacks. The types of threats targeting cloud databases have grown more today. Organizations need a trusted cybersecurity resource to solve the challenge. Solutions may involve securing keys and logins safely within the cloud environment. It includes safe migration, storage, and use of data.

Today, cloud security definition is multifaceted. Experts define it as a group of processes and technologies working to improve cloud safety. Unlike the technologies of the 2010s, modern technologies make the protection systems resilient. It is scalable, flexible, and fast. They work within defined infrastructures to protect both applications and data. Protection makes sure there is controlled access, data, and device privacy. The security system works under sets of policies and guidelines.

How does cloud security operate?

The security of cloud computing puts the main focus on several key areas. These are important areas that impact cloud security more broadly. When properly implemented, they harness the power of security in the cloud. The areas include the following.

• Implementation of policies. Principles of actions proposed and agreed upon by the key stakeholders.
• Paying attention to processes. Processes are different steps taken to achieve tightly secure cloud spaces.
• Implementing technologies. Sets of devices, networks, and applications that streamline security in the cloud.
• Working corporately. Each entity plays its part in ensuring the cloud environment is secure.

To understand the operations of the different components, you need to know what to look for in cloud security. The entire environment works under intertwined technologies and policies. It is locked in a lot of controls, apps, and best practices. They all flow under defined infrastructure designed to keep data safe. Overall, cloud security works this way.

Managing a complex network security

Network security relies on a series of cloud security service providers. They put security measures around the data stores and transmission networks. They protect cloud apps, containers, servers, and hybrid networks. Some of the security measures they implement are firewalls and threat detection solutions. They may create VPNs, access controls, and compliance measures. There are hundreds of network security solutions available.

Cloud security monitoring and logging

Monitoring allows users and providers to track activities in the cloud environment. They use different tools to monitor and detect threats or incidences. If they detect anything, the system generates and sends alerts. Logging involves gathering data about access by users. They check any changes in configurations or breaches in user accounts. The system stores all the access and data in one place.

Compliance and governance

Compliance means to follow certain regulatory and standards requirements. They are created by recognized agencies or authorities. To comply, an entity has to achieve the threshold. It touches on areas of data availability, integrity, and confidentiality. Governance deals with controlling and directing stakeholders on the cloud security approaches. The governing authorities run different activities used for making security decisions and necessary actions.

Disaster recovery and data backups

Cloud security infrastructure runs several policies and recovery processes. They implement specific tools that allow workflows to continue after breaches. These measures allow key IT structures to continue working after serious breaches. The same systems create copies of data consistently even when there are no attacks. They ensure the same data is available to a user if they lose the original to an attack.

Cloud security benefits and risks

The greatest benefit of cloud security is data protection. Information moves in and out of cloud spaces all the time. Security measures ensure that information is safe no matter its location. Cloud databases are shared which offers cost-effectiveness to users. The measures allow scaling and offer flexible choices. Cloud security boosts data availability and reliability. The solutions keep guarding the data to prevent all forms of theft.

Cloud databases are a major target of malicious actors. They understand the volumes of data stored there and often try to steal it. Some of the important risks affecting cloud security include data loss and breaches. There are the challenges of insider threats, hijacking accounts, and compliance issues. Malicious activities are common in the cloud spaces including identity theft.

Conclusion

The amount of data in the cloud spaces is growing to millions of zettabytes. At almost the same pace, the types of cyber security threats have multiplied. Cloud security is crucial and a shared responsibility of every stakeholder. It relies on sets of rules, systems, and technologies to work. Cloud security protects millions of databases by controlling access, monitoring, and preventing attacks. The measures optimize the system to shield data against malware, breaches, and many types of attacks.

Credit cards are generally a safe way to shop for goods and services online. This is because credit card companies offer fraud protection should your card number and related details fall into the hands of a cybercriminal.  However, this does not mean you should necessarily save your credit card details on an ecommerce site you regular buy items from.

The easy answer is no, you should not save your credit card online if you want zero risk.

If you do not save your credit card info on a website your number, expiry dates, information related to the card will be removed. So, if any of the companies you shop with have a data breach, cybercriminals will not see any record your card.

However, cybercriminals can also access your credit card details if your computer or phone is infected with malware.  This is because the credit card details are saved within your browser settings.  Therefore, a data breach of a company does not even need to occur!

Should You Save Your Credit Card Info?

Each consumer needs to decide the level of convenience they desire when shopping online and weigh the pros and cons. The only reason to save your card details is convenience. It makes for a quick checkout every time.

If you want zero risk, you should not save your credit card details when buying something online. This way the online account with the company does not contain the credit card number and the card information will not be saved on your computer.

You should never save any details of your credit card online, such as in notepad or a Word Document.  Do not write it down on a paper and put it in a file either. Only reference your card details from the card itself.

Ways Cybercriminals Access Credit Cards

There are a variety of ways credit cards are compromised. The bottom line is scams gather information about you from multiple sources. If they gain enough information, they can steal your identity.

• Physical credit cards are stolen or lost.  Report your card as stolen or lost to your credit card company immediately. When discarding old card, cut them into little bits. Do not throw uncut cards into the garbage where thieve can find them in the garbage.

• Card skimmers. A scammer gets access to you card for a brief moment and scans is on a skimmer. Or skimmers are added to shopping scanners or banks machines. Shimmers are new tech that steal your chip information.

• Card Shimmers:  This is new technology that steals your credit card chip information has it’s skimmed.

• Clicking on malicious links in phishing emails or texts, which infects your devices with malware to access all of your personal information.

• Using public Wi-Fi networks that are not secure.

• Data breaches. Even if you keep your computer secure, a company data breach will reveal your personal details to cybercriminals.

• Formjacking.  Legitimate websites are hacked and gather information as user enter their info on a form.

Only partial information about you will compromise your online accounts and the information each account holds about you.

Compromised data can also help scammers target your more specifically into clicking a link or answering personal questions on a scam phone call.

Reason’s to Not Save Your Credit Card Information

To recap, though saving your card information makes it easier to make purchases, it also opens up the possibility of potential fraud.

The more websites your card information is stored on, the more companies your personal information is tied to.

When card information is saved online, it can be used by anyone who has access to your device. If your device is hacked, or infected with certain malware, cybercriminals can gain that level of access.

Entering the CVV when making a purchase does add an extra layer of protection but does not eliminate all risk entirely if scammers have other means to use your credit card.

For those who want to be extra cautious, if you shop without an account and use guest checkout, no information whatsoever is saved by the e-commerce website.  However, you will have to give up additional incentives gained by having an account, such as loyalty points.

Best practices even if you do have an account is to not save the credit card information.

Read our three part series on how to protect yourself from scams.
Begin with Common Scams: Part 1 

Children are easy targets for cybercriminals and similar people. Children can often be often reckless about their actions. They can click unknown links out of curiosity, only to be taken to an unknown website, or reply to a new message from an unknown addresser. Using a webcam by children also needs special attention from their parents’ side.

Otherwise, children can be unpleasantly surprised or even traumatized—the question of why cybercriminals do this is a conversation for another day. The main point of this content is to explore how you can secure the webcam your children use and prevent any possible negative consequences.

Security First for Webcam Protection

This is the foremost point that has to be ensured. If your device lacks effective protective software, it becomes automatically vulnerable to webcam hackers. This software is a moderate investment ensuring the effective operation of your PC, preventing malware, viruses, or unknowingly given access to accounts and computer data in general. Install that software and explain to your children that it’s for their protection.  Parental controls exist to block harmful content, but it won’t stop a data breach or cyber attacks.  Antivirus and anti-malware programs are needed.

Make Sure WiFi Is Secured

Sometimes the easiest way to secure your webcam is to protect the entire WiFi network you are using. It is necessary to apply secured and complex passwords for your home network.  Your children should also be aware of all risks related to accessing public WiFi networks. If they join such networks, it is easy for computers to become infected by malicious software or become a target for scammers.

To protect children from this risk, you can install VPN software. It secures your devices by changing their real IP addresses. As an outcome, devices remain untraceable.

Secure Smart Technology in the Home

Camfecting is occurring now more than ever. It occurs when a cybercriminal takes remote control of a camera.  It’s very common for smart devices such as televisions, phones, baby monitors, and doorbells to have micro-sized digital cameras built in them.

Cybercriminals can use a special type of malware called Remote Access Trojans, or RATs, to gain access to cameras, computer files, and the ability to record keystrokes performed by the user.

One method of infiltrating a camera is done by exploiting known vulnerabilities within the device’s software. Passwords need to be strong for your WiFi and each smart device.  Appliances should not be on the same network as your personal computers. Smart TV’s have their own set of privacy settings to be mindful off.

Devices need to be updated regularly so that patches can remediate the vulnerabilities.

Best Practices for WebCam Use

Suspicious Links Avoided

This is a simple rule all children must follow. Instruct them to not click links or download anything from unknown sources. This rule prevents getting malware and spyware that infect the computer and enable getting access to a webcam. If something appears to be suspicious, avoiding that is the best solution. If you child needs a download, they should consult with you first.

Teach children how phishing emails or texts from scammers contain links that will give cybercriminals access to your child’s device, as well as others connected on the same network.  These emails may also come some friends they know because their friend’s computer may be infected. Check with all senders directly before clicking a link in a message from them.

“Stranger –Danger”

This rule is related to communications with unknown people. Children should not start this communication and share with them any kind of personal information. It is necessary to explain to children that even if these persons are pleasant to deal with, it is unlikely that somebody will ask to share personal information about a person during the first conversations.

What information is usually requested by strangers? It includes the details about the child’s history, date of birth, siblings, information related to parents, etc. Emphasize that your children should not deal with strangers online and provide those any authorizations.

Explain How Web Cams Work

Previous tips are effective, but they only decrease the risks related to hackers attempting to access webcams. You should explain that to your children and also clarify how this device can be compromised.  But there is one simple way to they can remain protect themselves.  An important rule for everyone, including adults, is to cover the camera eye of any webcam when not using it.  It is an easy-to-arrange technique that only requires a sticker or a special case you can purchase to be placed on the camera eye.

Create Rules for the Camera’s Location

The easiest strategy on how to secure children from possible negative consequences while using a webcam is determining strict rules for using it. The most workable rule, in this case, is avoiding using a webcam in a bedroom or bathroom. The situation is simple here. A child may easily forget to switch off the camera. This mistake may have negative consequences, especially if the webcam is regularly used in a private room of a home.

Secure Devices for Your Work from Children

Don’t allow your child to use webcams that are connected to your work.  This opens them up to accidentally connecting with fellow employees with the potential to share private information to collogues.   The best strategy here is to secure your devices with effective passwords and separate those devices from personal use by other family members.

Secure Data and Cloud Storage

If video or video chats are saved, ensure they are stored securely. You can also look into encryption methods if you like.  But most certainly, ensure all data on any computer is safe from outside access. Besides strong passwords for accounts and cloud storage, applying two-factor authentication is vital keep keeping private files from being accessed.

Webcam Red Flags to Pay Attention to

Indicator Light: Most webcams have an indicator light that turns on when the camera is active. If you notice this light is on unexpectedly, it could indicate that your webcam is in use.

Unexplained Activity: If your computer starts behaving strangely, such as windows opening or closing without your input, it could be a sign that someone is remotely accessing your system, including your webcam.

Unexpected Software: If you see new software installed on your computer that you didn’t install yourself, it might be malware or spyware designed to access your webcam.

Firewall Alerts: If your firewall software alerts you to unauthorized attempts to access your webcam, take it as a red flag.

Antivirus Warnings: Some antivirus software may detect suspicious activity related to webcam access and notify you about it. Take these warnings seriously and investigate further.

Check for Remote Access Tools: Regularly check your computer for remote access tools or software that could be used to access your webcam without your knowledge.

Final Words

Cyber threats are always lurking for children and adults alike. Webcams are often forgotten about when we think about the harm can happen on because of their use.  These tips on how to secure a webcam can spare your children from the negative consequences that may occur when interacting with others online.

It is always better to explain to your kids that the internet is not simply place full of joyful and interesting stuff. It’s also where cybercriminals and predators exist, and webcams are just one of the means children can be exploited.  Vigilance is required to set and follow these personal safety and computer security rules for webcams. As a result, the internet can be a much safer place for fun with friends, as well as enjoy the full benefits for learning.

Author’s Bio

Aston Rhodes is an experienced content creator and marketing expert for https://jatapp.com/. Aston has been helping authors improve their blogs for over 5 years and turn this hobby into a business. She does research and discussion on tech-related topics. She enjoys sharing her experiences with a like-minded audience and writes about software development, digital marketing, business, career, and more.