On 10/03/2017 15:05, Jethro_uk wrote:
On Fri, 10 Mar 2017 12:59:23 +0000, Dave Plowman (News) wrote:

Just been listening to a radio piece about those Samsung smart TVs the
CIA etc have apparently hacked so they can listen to what's going on in
the room. So wondered if any of the computer savvy types could explain a
few things I've observed with my voice activated Samsung TV.

1) If it is in standby, it no longer appears on my LAN.
2) I'm not aware of a method of bringing it out of standby over the
internet. (it can be set to look for software updates etc overnight,
though)
3) The LED on the front of the set changes colour between standby and
on. Think most would notice if it was on when meant to be off.


Perhaps spies always have their TV switched on with the sound turned
down.
Despite things like bugs having been around for many a year. Obviously,
their spy degree didn't include having a radio etc on loud when
discussing something naughty.

I believe the exploit required physical access to the TV. So spooks would
need to break in to set it up. (Which is nothing untoward. As Peter
Wright said in Spycatcher: "we bugged and burgled our way through
London").


Yes, indeed, has to be modified physically - IIUC it can't be done with
a software hack. Same with the webcam on my Mac computer. I hope :-;

--
Cheers, Rob