Media Room
Menu
Suggested Searches
Recent Searches
Suggested Searches
Product Ratings
Resources
Chat With AskCR
Resources
All Products A-ZThe payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.
Re-activateMy account
Sign In
My account
Sign In
Media Room
Release date 10/05/2018
YONKERS, N.Y. – Consumer Reports says Samsung has fixed a security flaw in its smart TVs in response to a CR investigation into broad privacy and security standards in these devices.
CR reported in February it had found that millions of televisions from Samsung, as well as those from brands that use the Roku TV platform, could potentially be controlled by hackers exploiting easy-to-find security flaws.
The problems were discovered during a CR-led privacy and security evaluation of five smart TV brands. This was CR’s first product test based on its new Digital Standard, which was developed by CR and partner cybersecurity and privacy organizations to help set expectations for how manufacturers should handle privacy, security, and other digital rights issues.
The growing ranks of connected products offer a host of conveniences and innovations, but they also raise serious questions about security and privacy. When we discovered these security flaws with smart TVs, we reached out to the manufacturers, and Samsung fixed the problem. This is why we developed the Digital Standard – to hold companies accountable for producing connected products that put all of our security and privacy needs first.
CR shared its findings with Samsung and the other manufacturers, and it has now confirmed that a firmware update issued by Samsung this summer fixes this vulnerability on its 2018 smart TVs. The company says it plans to roll out a similar update for 2017 TVs later this fall.
“The growing ranks of connected products offer a host of conveniences and innovations, but they also raise serious questions about security and privacy,” said Marta L. Tellado, president and CEO of Consumer Reports. “When we discovered these security flaws with smart TVs, we reached out to the manufacturers, and Samsung fixed the problem. This is why we developed the Digital Standard – to hold companies accountable for producing connected products that put all of our security and privacy needs first.”
In CR’s tests, it discovered that Samsung smart TVs, along with Roku TVs from TCL and other brands, would allow a hacker with minimal skills to change TV channels, turn up the volume, play unwanted YouTube videos, or kick the TV off a WiFi connection. This could be done remotely over the web from thousands of miles away.
The vulnerabilities would not allow a hacker to spy on a TV viewer, steal information, or monitor what was being watched.
In addition to its smart TV investigation, CR recently published its first-ever, test-based ratings of mobile peer-to-peer payment services with a focus on privacy and security.
During pilot testing for the Digital Standard in 2016, CR discovered several privacy vulnerabilities with the Glow app, a mobile app designed to help women track their menstrual cycles and fertility. After CR contacted the company, it promptly addressed the major security issues we found.
CR’s efforts to promote consumer interests in relation to privacy, security, and data practices, including the development of the Digital Standard, are made possible by its members and philanthropic investments by Ford Foundation and Craig Newmark Philanthropies. Mr. Newmark, the founder of craigslist, is a former member of CR’s Board of Directors, and his vision on the need to address the privacy and security challenges facing consumers in the digital age helped inform this new effort.
Consumer Reports is a nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.
© 2018 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to work side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports® magazine, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our prior written permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent unauthorized commercial use of its content and trademarks.
Consumer Reports is a nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.
© 2018 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to work side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports® magazine, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our prior written permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent unauthorized commercial use of its content and trademarks.