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KT2000

(21,954 posts)
Thu Dec 18, 2025, 02:01 AM Dec 18

Can anyone explain what happened on my TV?

I turned on the TV using Sling TV. I clicked the Prime Video button and then clicked on my name. The TV went black for a few seconds and then a document written in a foreign language, looked Eastern European or Russian (odd letters), showed on the screen. It appeared to be a form where someone had typed in answers. Then the TV turned itself off.

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DUU

(89 posts)
1. Screen grab the doc, send it to ChatGBT for translation
Thu Dec 18, 2025, 02:07 AM
Dec 18

Send me a dm and happy to take a look

KT2000

(21,954 posts)
4. Sorry - it happened fast
Thu Dec 18, 2025, 02:34 AM
Dec 18

after the document showed, the TV turned off.
To be honest, it scared me.

KT2000

(21,954 posts)
6. Thank you - I have an LG TV
Thu Dec 18, 2025, 03:57 AM
Dec 18

and just learned they are vulnerable to trojans, though they say not full trojans.

LG TVs are easily attacked because of vulnerabilities but it looks like they are always trying to fix them. Who knew?

AZJonnie

(2,838 posts)
2. Something crashed, either the TV or the Sling
Thu Dec 18, 2025, 02:20 AM
Dec 18

When computers of all kinds crash, weird stuff can pop up on the screen. Did it keep happening or was everything normal when you tried again?

KT2000

(21,954 posts)
5. It was OK when I turned it on.
Thu Dec 18, 2025, 02:35 AM
Dec 18

and I didn't unplug after it happened but will if it happens again.

KT2000

(21,954 posts)
7. Just learned something
Thu Dec 18, 2025, 04:00 AM
Dec 18

because I googled about the TV - LG. They are vulnerable to trojan attacks.

AZJonnie

(2,838 posts)
8. So probably don't fire up the webOS browser on your TV and log into your bank account from it
Thu Dec 18, 2025, 04:22 AM
Dec 18

or other financial institutions. That's pretty much good advice on any connected internet device that doesn't get frequent updates like Windows, Android, and MacOS.

If you're worried about it though, a cool thing about all such devices like TV is their OS's are trivial to completely reset from the factory firmware (which is not hackable). Takes some time to set all the settings again, but it's not that big a deal in most cases, unless you like paid to have it professionally calibrated.

Can do the same with the Sling device.

My advice is that if it starts crashing regularly, do a factory reset. Then let it immediately download and install updates, before you do anything else, so it gets the most up-to-date protection. Then exercise a modicum of caution, esp. re: installing anything from a vendor you don't trust. Stick to mainstream, well-known apps if you're going to install anything. Since you have a SlingTV you probably don't really have to anyway.

KT2000

(21,954 posts)
9. Wow! Thank you for the good advice
Thu Dec 18, 2025, 02:20 PM
Dec 18

because I was wondering what or if I should do anything so you answered that.

Inkey

(485 posts)
3. Smart TV hack or Sling Trojan Horse attack
Thu Dec 18, 2025, 02:24 AM
Dec 18

We are in a strange new world and it is getting stranger.
Hopefully it is just a glitch .

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