never trust samsung

[Topcat]

Re: never trust samsung

This sounds worse than the laptop-anti-theft debacles!

Computrace ring any bells?

Any time I get a laptop that has computrace as an option in the BIOS but deactivated, I disable it....which is permanent. Once it's disabled, it can not be enabled again. If it's activated, your laptop is a paperweight. This is something you have to watch out for when buying off-lease laptops.

[stj]

Re: never trust samsung

rip the modules with a bios editor - computrace is malware that inserts files into the o.s.


incidentally, leaving a smart tv offline may not work.
i read that a lot of the newer ones also have BLE bluetooth and can create their own fucking mesh-network!!!

[TechGeek]

Re: never trust samsung

I've got a Panasonic 65" plasma TV from 2011. I'm using it until it irreparably fails, which will likely be a panel failure or loss of unobtainium parts.

If I ever get a smart TV, it's getting the wireless hardware ripped out of it (or at least having its antennas disconnected and terminators connected in place of them) and it's going on a hardwired power switch.

[RJARRRPCGP]

Re: never trust samsung

Computrace ring any bells?

Any time I get a laptop that has computrace as an option in the BIOS but deactivated, I disable it....which is permanent. Once it's disabled, it can not be enabled again. If it's activated, your laptop is a paperweight. This is something you have to watch out for when buying off-lease laptops.

I'm more worried about the feature being used as an artificial time-bomb to force me to throw out the TV!

[Dan81]

Re: never trust samsung

I am suggesting removing both LAN and WLAN chips with hot air. Anything that poses as a means of internet conectivity must be exterminated when it comes to those "Smart" TVs.

[stj]

Re: never trust samsung

and remove camera's and microphones!!!
i always remove them from laptops.

[Topcat]

Re: never trust samsung

and remove camera's and microphones!!!
i always remove them from laptops.

I just choose models that don't have them. They are optional on higher end laptops (dell precisions)....they're standard on cheapass models. I don't remove them unless asked if the unit isn't mine.

[lti]

Re: never trust samsung

I haven't seen a laptop with an optional webcam and microphone.

I still don't understand why so many people are paranoid about the camera and only a few people see the microphone as a security concern.

[stj]

Re: never trust samsung

it may be paranoia with Linux and a NOT UEFI bios,
but with windows it does get abused.

[Th3_uN1Qu3]

Re: never trust samsung

I haven't seen a laptop with an optional webcam and microphone.

There's a ton of em. Especially business oriented models like ThinkPads and Latitudes.

[Dan81]

Re: never trust samsung

Also some older Acer Extensas don't have them.

[Per Hansson]

Re: never trust samsung

It is good that Samsung created this announcement so the thieves that stole the TV's get the memo to not connect them to the Internet.

[Dan81]

Re: never trust samsung

It is good that Samsung created this announcement so the thieves that stole the TV's get the memo to not connect them to the Internet.

This kinda sounds like a "Task Failed Successfully" unless Samsung makes them force connect to their own network through any open (as in no security password) WiFi connection

[stj]

Re: never trust samsung

like i said, a lot of the newer stuff can create a mesh network with each other.
and that includes meshing with other brands too!
remember the "internet of shit" aka IOT - well it's here!

[lti]

Re: never trust samsung

Connecting to a random WiFi hotspot without telling the user is also an option. Microsoft already did that in Windows 10 and then quietly removed the "feature." Strangely, not many people had a problem with that (just like people putting tape over their webcam for "privacy" and keeping their microphone active).

[Th3_uN1Qu3]

Re: never trust samsung

Android has been doing that for ages but it's easily disabled. On that note, I wonder why you guys don't tape the cameras and microphones on your cellphones.

[Agent24]

Re: never trust samsung

I never wanted a smart TV and now I want one even less.

It's fine, you can get regular TVs for free when other people "upgrade" haha