ESET Smart TV Security to protect smart TV users from rising malware threats

ESET Smart TV Security to protect smart TV users from rising malware
threats

March
2, 2018 – ESET, the leading IT security vendor based in
the European Union, launches ESET Smart TV Security – an advanced
technology protection solution against targeted malware attacks on connected
TVs and other devices with the Android TV operational system.

According to statistics, there could be as
many as 30 billion devices connected to the internet by 2020. While these gadgets bring
numerous benefits to households, they also pose a threat to
consumers’ everyday lives. Smart TVs in particular – with their
microphones, cameras and USB ports – are increasingly becoming prime targets
for malware attacks. By gaining control over a smart TV, cybercriminals can not
only attack other devices on the user’s home network but also spy on
individuals to gather sensitive and personal data.

“Given the risks to
security and privacy, consumers need to think about protecting smart home
devices in the same way they would protect their laptops, tablets or mobiles –
they cannot treat them like an average TV, kettle, or watch,” said
Branislav Orlik, Mobile Security Product Manager at ESET.

Smart TVs with Android TV OS will also
undoubtedly contribute to the spread of Android ransomware, which has already
been persistently targeting Android devices for a number of years.  The threat has now crossed over to Android TVs, as incidents of
smart TV screen-locks and ransom demands reported in the news have illustrated.

The ESET Smart TV Security application
protects consumers with a variety of security features, including:

·        Antivirus
protection safeguards against
increasing levels of Android malware.

·        Anti-ransomware technology combats screen-locks. If
ransomware is activated, users are advised to switch their smart TV off/on
while the virus database is updated and scanning is initiated. When ESET Smart
TV Security detects ransomware on the device, the user is advised to uninstall
the malware. Once uninstall is confirmed, the ransomware will be cleared. 

·        Multi-device
scanning for malware on
devices and USBs that connect to the smart TV. 

·        Anti-phishing to protect users from attempts to
steal sensitive, personal information. This feature will be available only in
the premium version of ESET Smart TV Security.

ESET’s Smart TV Security is available to
download via Google Play, and can only be downloaded from a user’s TV device.
Once installed, users will be protected by ESET across their entire Android
ecosystem – both smartphone and TV.

“Users need to feel safe
in the knowledge that they can watch their favourite shows and browse the
internet on their smartphones without fear of being watched or having their
personal data compromised,” explains
Orlik. “ESET
is the top-rated provider of security solutions for Android OS devices, so we
are the smart choice for consumers to ensure all the devices in their homes,
and the data they collect, are kept secure.”

ESET’s experts will be at MobileFocus Global, PEPCOM‘s annual
media event, on February26th at 19.00 (Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos I Hotel) to conduct a live demonstration of how ESET Smart TV Security
defends consumers from cyberattacks. ESET will also be demonstrating this
solution at Mobile World Congress in Hall 7.  Find out more by visiting ESET’s dedicated MWC website here.

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About
ESET

For 30 years, ESET® has been developing industry-leading IT security software and services
for businesses and consumers worldwide. With solutions ranging from endpoint and mobile security, to encryption and
two-factor authentication, ESET’s high-performing, easy-to-use products give
consumers and businesses the peace of mind to enjoy the full potential of their
technology. ESET unobtrusively protects and monitors 24/7, updating defenses in
real-time to keep users safe and businesses running without interruption.
Evolving threats require an evolving IT security company. Backed by R&D
centers worldwide, ESET becomes the first IT security company to earn 100 Virus Bulletin VB100 awards, identifying every single “in-the-wild” malware without
interruption since 2003. For more information visit www.eset.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook andTwitter.