Android Streaming Boxes Can Get Malware

You may have heard that disconnecting your smart TV from the internet will protect your privacy and security. Well, your dedicated Android streaming box isn’t free from risks either. Devices like Google’s TV Streamer can get malware, and here’s what you can do to reduce your chances of being exploited.

Update Android TV

The best step you can take is to make sure your device is always up to date. Google and other companies are working on your behalf to patch vulnerabilities and regularly roll out security fixes and updates.

Boxes running the latest version of Android TV aren’t vulnerable to the same types of attacks as boxes stuck on older releases. Attackers don’t generally try to target the most modern secure models. They go for older, low-hanging fruit instead.

You can update your TV by going to All Settings > System > About > System updates.

If the latest version of Android isn’t available for your streaming box, that’s a good sign it’s time to upgrade to a newer model. If you decide to do without it, be sure to disconnect and unplug your set-top box so it doesn’t put any other devices on your network at risk.

Auto-update apps

There are many great apps for Android TV. Unfortunately, apps can become a potential way for attackers to break in, even if the underlying system is up-to-date. You can manually check to make sure each app is up to date, but that gets tedious. That’s why most modern Android devices set apps to auto-update by default.

Your streaming box will probably update apps automatically, but there’s no harm in checking it. You may have unchecked a box during setup or manually disabled the feature but forgotten.

Check for Google Play Protect certification

Google Play Protect is like a virus scanner. It scans the apps on your device to make sure you haven’t installed anything malicious. It also checks Play Store apps before you install them on your device. It can warn you or remove harmful software on your behalf if it detects it. It can also notify you if an app is abusing permissions.

Check what apps can access

Android doesn’t allow apps to access different parts of your TV without your permission. The thing is, apps don’t always come forward with the permissions they request. You can check for yourself by going to All Settings > Apps > Special app access.

Here, you can see what kind of access apps can request. Keeping an eye on usage access is important because it allows apps to see what other apps you use and how you use them—in other words, it allows apps to spy.

Another thing to keep an eye on is the ability for an app to display over other apps. Malicious apps can use this ability to display invisible fields above the keyboard, allowing them to log what you type and steal passwords and credit card information.

Don’t install apps from unknown sources

Much of the advice for Android phones also applies to Android streaming boxes. This includes avoiding apps from unknown sources. Cracked or pirated apps, in particular, are a big risk, as they are common sources of malware.

Go to All Settings > Apps > Security and restrictions > Unknown sources to confirm which sources can install apps.

Disable Bluetooth if you’re not using it

If your device is compromised, it can spread to other devices. This is why it’s helpful to turn off Wi-Fi when you’re not using it. The same can be said for Bluetooth. If you’re not using this feature, it doesn’t need to be running in the background, quietly scanning for connections.

You can manage Bluetooth connections under Settings > Bluetooth.

Is your Android TV streaming box the biggest security risk in your home? Probably not. Still, don’t let that lead you to complacency. It’s the myriad small internet-connected devices scattered throughout our homes, which we tend to overlook, that are becoming increasingly attractive targets.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *