Internet viruses set to reach into set-top boxes

First, Internet viruses attacked computers, and later mobile phones, but now a different type of consumer electronics device is in their sights. A new generation of TV set-top boxes with beefed up memory, processing power and Internet connections to support hybrid content scenarios and other advanced services increasingly will be under the threat of Web viruses and other security attacks, according to middleware firm Ocean Blue Software.

The likelihood that set-top boxes could be affected by such threats should not come as a surprise, as many TV box platforms are following the roughly same path as computers and mobile phones in enhancing their ability to download, store and deliver different kinds of content and applications, often through Web browsers. Also, credit card numbers and other types of personal information increasingly will be passed through these boxes as consumers carry out various content transactions.

U.K.-based Ocean Blue said set-top manufacturers need to take steps to protect their products. The company is currently developing firewall software called Neptune, and is in talks to get it embedded in chips, but Ocean Blue admitted this is only an initial rudimentary protection step. Ultimately, connected software for TV set-top boxes and connected TV’s with new cloud-based anti-virus offerings may be the best solution, the company said.