Last updated on September 1st, 2023 at 08:49 am
Can a Smart TV Get a Virus Attack?
Yes, a smart TV can get a virus attack. However, it rarely happens.
Even if it happens, there’s an easy fix to deal with it.
Even if your smart TV hasn’t suffered a virus attack, it’s good to learn how to prevent such a thing from happening.
Why It’s Rare for Smart TV to Be Attacked By a Virus
Unlike computer viruses and malware, creating a virus for a smart TV is a tough task.
This is because the mini-computer system in your Smart TV is built so that it’s virus-unfriendly.
So, virus or malware writers will find it tough to create a virus that can infect your smart TV.
Why is it Difficult to Create a Virus for Smart TV?
Unlike a computer system, which can read and write code, a smart TV is designed only to read code.
In other words, it’s a read-only system.
The code on a smart TV is stored in chips. The TV’s operating system reads the code to give the TV computing abilities.
If a malware or virus writer wants to attack a smart TV, he must completely rewrite the code to take over the existing code.
Any update to a smart TV’s code can only be done by a firmware update.
For a firmware update to take place, an approved digital signature must be provided.
Fortunately, malware and viruses are not written with a digital signature.
What Happens if Malware Creeps into Your Smart TV System?
So, even if malware gets into your smart TV’s operating system, the ‘culprit’ will not affect it.
Since it doesn’t have a digital signature, there’s no way the malware will alter the existing code in your smart TV.
The rogue malware code can do nothing more than lie powerless and dormant in your smart TV system.
When you undertake a firmware upgrade for your smart TV, the existing code will be removed to be replaced with a new one.
The malware will also be removed to be replaced with the new code the firmware update provides.
Even if malware or virus hijacks your smart TV code, there’s very little it can do to wreak havoc on your system.
Malware writers would not waste time and effort writing rogue code that is toothless, which doesn’t give them the return on investment they expect.
How to Prevent a Malware or Virus Attack on Your Smart TV
You’ve learned why Malware and viruses can’t easily attack your smart TV. Still, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Here are the simple preventive measures to keep malware or viruses from intruding into your smart TV system.
Run Frequent Malware or Virus Scans
Check to see if your smart TV comes with a virus scan feature. Samsung smart TVs come with virus protection.
Under the settings menu, choose General.
Then select System Manager – Smart Security.
Next, select Scan.
Virus and malware scanning will be executed. Within minutes, you’ll be alerted of any infection.
Check out the video below for guidance.
Have a Secure Home Network
It pays to secure your home network to minimize the chances of a virus or malware attack on your smart TV.
This would include installing a hardware firewall and getting a router with built-in antivirus protection.
Regularly Update Your Smart TV Firmware
If your smart TV has outdated firmware, the risk of malware or virus infection is higher.
Malware and virus writers will have time to study and rewrite the code.
A firmware update will keep such threats at bay. Firmware updates, apart from updating apps, come with security patches, too.
Practice Safe Surfing
If you surf the Internet with your smart TV’s web browser, avoid visiting suspicious sites.
Avoid downloading apps from these sites, too.
Always download from approved sites or your TV manufacturer’s official app store.
Steps to Take if Your Smart TV Gets a Virus or Malware Attack?
The easiest solution is to perform a factory reset, also known as a hard reset.
Now, what will a factory reset do to your smart TV? Well, it will put your TV in its state when it left the factory. The state it was in before you populated it with apps and other information.
So, a factory reset will wipe off your apps and preferred settings. At the same time, it will remove any virus or malware residing in your system.
The video below shows how to factory reset a Samsung smart TV.
This video shows the steps to hard reset an LG Smart TV.
In any case, check your smart TV manual for more information.
