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Apple TV Keyboard: security threat

Dear Apple,


Please note that the attached behavior is a security threat. I live in an apartment building and do not own an Apple TV. Under no circumstances I am willing to share my passwords. I do not appreciate this message popping up every 15 minutes or so.


Kindly ask you to address this issue.

Posted on May 22, 2020 5:58 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 22, 2020 7:08 AM

Before actually using that feature, users will be asked to authenticate by repeating an on-screen code, to exclude unauthorized users. It is not thought to be a security thread, as passwords will not be shared without access to the TV screen, and only selected credentials will be shared to that one device, using an encrypted bluetooth connection.


Enter text on your Apple TV - Apple Support

To turn off this feature on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to Settings﹥Notifications﹥Apple TV Remote Keyboard.


The feature is intended to be used ad-hoc, without pairing, e.g. even when visiting friends. Select a combination of username and password from the iCloud Keychain on the iPhone, to be used for a selected service on the Apple TV. Then confirm using the authentication method (Face ID, Touch ID, or device passcode). Some Apple ID entries may ask for two-factor authentication additionally.


As bluetooth through reinforced walls is very limited, the Apple TV user (tvOS 12 or later) will be very nearby.

Unfortunately, I am not aware of any setting on Apple TV to prevent the pop-up notification on unpaired phones, e.g. to ask the Apple TV user to change their Settings.

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 22, 2020 7:08 AM in response to w_1

Before actually using that feature, users will be asked to authenticate by repeating an on-screen code, to exclude unauthorized users. It is not thought to be a security thread, as passwords will not be shared without access to the TV screen, and only selected credentials will be shared to that one device, using an encrypted bluetooth connection.


Enter text on your Apple TV - Apple Support

To turn off this feature on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to Settings﹥Notifications﹥Apple TV Remote Keyboard.


The feature is intended to be used ad-hoc, without pairing, e.g. even when visiting friends. Select a combination of username and password from the iCloud Keychain on the iPhone, to be used for a selected service on the Apple TV. Then confirm using the authentication method (Face ID, Touch ID, or device passcode). Some Apple ID entries may ask for two-factor authentication additionally.


As bluetooth through reinforced walls is very limited, the Apple TV user (tvOS 12 or later) will be very nearby.

Unfortunately, I am not aware of any setting on Apple TV to prevent the pop-up notification on unpaired phones, e.g. to ask the Apple TV user to change their Settings.

Apple TV Keyboard: security threat

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