LG TV Flaws Could Let Attackers Listen In, Even In Standby Mode

LG TV Flaws Could Let Attackers Listen In, Even In Standby Mode

Smart TVs are internet-connected computers with microphones, app stores, advertising systems, and access to the same home networks used by your family’s phones, laptops, printers, and smart-home devices. 🚀 A new investigation by Gamers Nexus, carried out with Level1Techs and independent security researchers, has examined several LG TV models. The team found extensive device and network discovery, ACR tracking, and security weaknesses that could increase the consequences if a television were compromised.

According to Gamers Nexus, packet captures and firmware analysis showed the tested LG TVs identifying devices on the local network, such as phones, PCs, printers, switches, and smart-home hardware. The investigation also revealed that the TVs collected nearby Wi-Fi network names, signal information, and device-related identifiers. 📡 The researchers demonstrated how a compromised TV could capture audio through its microphone, even when the TV appeared to be off. They showed that the TV stored audio when it was unplugged from the internet and retrieved it after the connection was restored. Additionally, the researchers reported remote-code-execution vulnerabilities to LG, and they have not disclosed full details while the responsible disclosure process is ongoing.

A compromised television could be more than a privacy issue. It might provide an attacker with a foothold on a home or business network, access to audio, or a route to probe other devices. 🔍 The broader lesson is clear: A smart TV deserves the same privacy and security consideration as any other internet-connected computer.

The concerns are not limited to one brand. Treating them as security-sensitive devices—and demanding clear, meaningful privacy choices—is increasingly part of staying safe at home. Owners can take a few practical steps to limit what their TV collects and what it can access:

• Install firmware updates promptly, especially security updates.
• Review the privacy controls under Settings, Privacy & Terms, or User Agreements.
• Turn off ACR, viewing-information collection, personalized ads, voice recognition, and other features you don’t need.
• Use a separate IoT or guest network for televisions, cameras, speakers, and other smart-home devices. This limits what a compromised device can reach on your main network.
• Disable UPnP on your router unless it is genuinely needed and avoid exposing TV services directly to the internet.

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