Are Roku Smart TVs Vulnerable To Hacking?

Consumer Reports has released an online article stating that Roku Smart TVs are vulnerable to hacking: Samsung and Roku Smart TVs Vulnerable to Hacking, Consumer Reports Finds. Consumer Reports found problems with data collection, security, and privacy. Roku states that “Consumer Reports Got It Wrong.” So, are Roku Smart TVs Vulnerable To Hacking?

Read the Consumer Reports article: Samsung and Roku Smart TVs Vulnerable to Hacking, Consumer Reports Finds

Samsung and Roku Smart TVs Vulnerable to Hacking, Consumer Reports Finds

Consumer Reports states that security and privacy problems exist with Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio Smart TVs. They claim the problems also exist with Roku streaming media devices and Roku Smart TVs. Roku Smart TVs include TV manufactures such as TCL, Hisense, Hitachi, Philips, RCA, Sharp, and Insignia.

The Consumer Reports article states:

Consumer Reports has found that millions of smart TVs can be controlled by hackers exploiting easy-to-find security flaws.

Video: Consumer Reports Finds TV Security Flaw

Consumer Reports Got It Wrong

Roku was quick to respond to the Consumer Reports claim by stating that Roku streaming players and Roku TVs are NOT a security risk.

Roku’s response to the Consumer Reports claim of security and privacy issues:

Consumer Reports issued a report saying that Roku TVs and players are vulnerable to hacking.  This is a mischaracterization of a feature. It is unfortunate that the feature was reported in this way. We want to assure our customers that there is no security risk.

Are Roku Smart TVs Vulnerable To Hacking?

If you have concerns about the security of your Roku devices, Roku advises the third-party API can be turned off.

Consumers can turn off this feature (API) on their Roku player or Roku TV by going to Settings>System>Advanced System Settings>External Control>Disabled.

Roku also states that the ACR (Automatic Content Recognition) is not enabled by default, and that ACR can be disabled.

To disable (ACR) consumers have to uncheck Settings > Privacy > Smart TV experience > Use info from TV inputs.

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