Internet-Connected Smart TV's Targeted via Unique Web Browser Malware Threats

Cybercrooks who cook up the latest disastrous recipe for attacking vulnerable computer users are taking on a new face. The ingredients they cook up are now attempting to quench the thirst for TV viewers by infecting Smart TVs with malware.

If you have shopped around for a new TV in the past couple of years or purchased one in the same time frame, then you are probably accustomed to the smart TV revolution. Most new TVs have integrated feature sets that basically turn them into a simplified computer running mobile operating systems, such as the popularized Android OS. As it turns out, many Smart TVs are the new target for malware threats, some of the threats being aggressive ransomware that hijacks your Smart TV's web browser limiting its use.

Kaspersky Labs researchers discovered that virus creators have now adopted methods they used to infect desktop computers with malware threats to target Smart TVs. The sophisticated malware threats that virus authors and cybercrooks are now using to target Smart TVs are very familiar with what we have seen in the wild when it comes to attacking desktop systems running Windows.

Through the use of browser hijacker threats, attackers can leverage the vulnerabilities within Smart TVs that are connected to the Internet. Malware authors are using uniquely designed malware threats with the same voracity as with other platforms we have seen in the past when it comes to ransomware threats found on desktop Windows machines. The particular threat found on Smart TVs, mainly ones running a version of the Android OS, have been ones using JavaScript to display an on-screen notification on a Smart TV's browser's background. The notification pop-up makes claims of a critical error and offers a customer support number to contact for technical support on the alleged issue.

Getting deep into the design and operation of the Smart TV malware, researchers have discovered that the malware is incomplete and lacks the features to persist further actions on the infected Smart TV browser. Fundamentally, the malware doesn't have much control of the Smart TV, and it cannot recreate upon browser restarts or persist other actions. Though, posts on Reddit in discussions about Smart TV malware claims otherwise, asserting that the malware can change browser and/or network settings.

Whether the new Smart TV malware turns out to be a dud or highly destructive, the latest findings confirm how cybercrooks and hackers are now actively targeting Smart TVs with unique types of malware threats. Not only that but Smart TVs could be the next device that is used in cyber espionage if hackers ever discover methods to exploit such devices with Botnet threats.

Just think, your Smart TV gets infected with an advanced malware threat and then attacks other systems to perform malicious activities on the internet while you are watching the new Star Wars movie. Talking about some serious "entertainment" when law enforcement comes knocking at your door to break the news to you about your Smart TV doing dirty business online.