In tweet, Samsung recommends scanning QLED TVs for viruses

[steven36]

Not even smart TVs are safe from viruses and malware.

 

 

Nearly anything that connects to the internet can be hacked. And that includes Samsung's QLED TVs. 

In a tweet, Samsung US support account shared a video Sunday outlining how users can scan their smart TVs for viruses. It is unclear what prompted the tweet or why the process seems to be opt-in as opposed to the operating system automatically scanning for viruses in the background. 

Samsung did not immediately respond to a CNET request for comment. 

Scanning your computer for malware viruses is important to keep it running smoothly. This also is true for your QLED TV if it's connected to Wi-Fi!

Prevent malicious software attacks on your TV by scanning for viruses on your TV every few weeks. Here's how 👇 pic.twitter.com/7hWUfJwy1K

— Samsung Support USA (@SamsungSupport) June 17, 2019

The company deleted the tweet Monday morning. In response to questions, the account replied on Twitter that the video was posted "for customer's education and to have it as a troubleshooting step" and not necessarily in response to any particular threat. 

 

Hello Leo! Thanks for reaching out to us! The video was posted for customer's education and to have it as a troubleshooting step. Let us know if you have any other questions! ^Lucy

— Samsung Support USA (@SamsungSupport) June 17, 2019

To scan for viruses on your Samsung QLED TV, head to "settings" then "general." Once there, scroll down to "system manager," click on the tab labeled "smart security" and then "scan." This will trigger the built-in anti-virus software to scan your television.  

 

Nearly all of Samsung's TVs above 40-inches feature Wi-Fi, making them "smart TVs." They can connect to the internet and stream content from Netflix, YouTube and other services without needing a separate device such as a Roku, Chromecast or Apple TV. 

 

Many of the company's TVs run Tizen, a proprietary operating system that features a web browser and app store and thereby providing two ways for nefarious software to get onto your television. This includes Samsung's premium QLED lineup which the company singled out in the tweet.

 

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