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Software Vulnerabilities in LG Smart TVs Could Lead to Cybersecurity Threats
Recently uncovered software vulnerabilities in tens of thousands of LG smart TVs have raised concerns about potential cybersecurity risks. These vulnerabilities could potentially be exploited by cybercriminals to take control of the affected devices. To ensure that your TV is not among those at risk of being hijacked, it is crucial to promptly update your device to patch these security flaws.
Risks Posed by Software Bugs in LG’s WebOS TV Operating System
An in-depth security research report by Bitdefender has brought to light four distinct software bugs that impact LG’s WebOS TV operating system. These vulnerabilities, estimated to affect approximately 91,000 devices globally, could grant malicious actors a range of intrusive privileges, including the ability to gain root access to a compromised device. The bugs, which affect WebOS versions 4 through 7, have the potential to enable hackers to introduce a new user to the device, inject malicious code, and essentially take full control of the TV. Bitdefender first notified LG of these vulnerabilities in November, prompting the company to take action to address the issues.
Ars Technica further highlights the broader implications of such security threats. Beyond the immediate risk of TV hijacking, if a malicious actor gains access to the accounts linked to the compromised device, they could potentially obtain sensitive personal data, such as email credentials and financial information. Additionally, compromised devices could be roped into cryptocurrency mining operations or incorporated into botnets. Notably, around 7,000 vulnerable devices are located in the United States, with a significant concentration in South Korea, Hong Kong, and Sweden.
Securing Your Device: Ensuring the Latest Software Update from LG
To safeguard your LG smart TV from these vulnerabilities, it is crucial to verify that your device is running the latest software version with the necessary security patches. LG has released a comprehensive patch addressing the identified security flaws as part of its recent software update rolled out on March 22. While most LG devices will automatically download and install this update, it is advisable to manually check for updates to guarantee that your TV is adequately protected.
If you want to confirm that your LG smart TV has received the latest WebOS TV update, follow LG’s guidelines by navigating to Settings > Support > Software Update on your device. Clicking on ‘Check for Updates’ will prompt the TV to search for any available updates. If an update is found, proceed with the ‘Download and Install’ option to ensure that your TV is up to date with the latest security fixes. With these precautions in place, you can continue enjoying your favorite content on your LG smart TV with peace of mind.
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