LG Moves to Secure Smart TVs by Banning Malicious Proxy Apps

LG's Proactive Security Shift in the IoT Space LG Electronics USA has announced a significant policy change aimed at securing its smart TV ecosystem. The company plans to suspend and ban any applications on its webOS platform that function as residential proxy nodes. This move follows alarming research showing that a large percentage of apps—including games and utility software—were secretly allowing third parties to route internet traffic through the user's television. This practice effectively turns the home appliance into a 'zombie' node in a larger network, often used by attackers to bypass geographical restrictions or conduct malicious activities under the cover of a legitimate residential IP address. ## The Prevalence of Malicious Apps on webOS The scale of the issue is significant. Researchers recently found that more than 42 percent of the apps available for download on LG's webOS store contained code that allowed for proxy routing. This is a classic example of how IoT devices are targeted by cybercriminals; they are often 'always-on', have significant processing power, and are frequently overlooked by traditional antivirus software. By banning these apps, LG is setting a precedent for other smart device manufacturers to take more responsibility for the security of their application stores. At FORTSECURE GLOBAL, we emphasize that the security of a smart home is only as strong as its weakest connected device. ## Practical Recommendations for Smart TV Users As manufacturers like LG work to clean up their stores, users should also take proactive measures: 1. Audit Installed Apps: Review the apps currently installed on your Smart TV and remove any that are no longer in use or come from unknown developers. 2. Update Firmware Regularly: Ensure your TV's operating system is up to date, as manufacturers often release patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities. 3. Check App Permissions: Be wary of apps that ask for permissions that seem unnecessary for their function, such as wide network access for a simple offline game. 4. Disable Unused Features: If you do not use specific smart features or voice assistants, consider disabling them to reduce the device's attack surface.

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แหล่งที่มา: Krebs on Security เผยแพร่ครั้งแรก: Wed, 22 Jul 2026 01:10:38 +0000 บทความต้นฉบับ: อ่านต้นฉบับ