Kodi offers built-in remote access controls which could pose a security threat when manually enabled without proper configuration. The threat is minimal however, only posing a risk to those who forgot to set an access password after having manually enabled remote access functionality. If you think that you may have enabled this setting by mistake, or configured Kodi using a sketchy build, you might as well follow the procedure below to ensure that your Kodi setup remains secure. It’ll only take a second of your time, better to be safe than sorry.
Kodi devices are mini computers, and although you may not keep sensitive information on them, you certainly don’t want an insecure device on your network. Once one device on your network is compromised, it is infinitely easier to compromise the rest of your devices. Internet of things devices like smart thermostats, home security cameras, smart toasters and even smart fridges have been known to be easy targets for hackers around the world. Once they’re in, they can do a huge number of malicious things that you definitely wouldn’t approve of.
We’ll start with the guide for Kodi 17.0 Krypton and above, scroll down the page if you’re still on Kodi 16.2 Jarvis or below…
Kodi 17.0 Krypton and Above
Step 1: Navigate to the little settings cogwheel at the top left corner of the Kodi interface.
Step 2: Click on the Service settings icon.
Step 3: Select the Control tab from the vertical menu bar.
Step 4: Verify that Allow remote control via HTTP is disabled.
Step 5: Verify that Allow remote control from applications on other systems is also disabled.
Optional: If you intend on using remote access control within Kodi, it is possible to do so securely, simply by adding an access password.
Kodi 16.2 Jarvis or Lower
Step 1: Navigate to the Settings tab under the SYSTEM menu heading.
Step 2: Select the Services tab from the vertical menu bar.
Step 3: Select the Web server tab from the next vertical menu.
Step 4: Verify that Allow remote control via HTTP is disabled.
Step 5: Select the Remote control menu tab, and verify that Allow remote control by programs on other systems is also disabled.
Optional: If you do wish to enable remote access control, do so securely by setting an access password.
We hope that you can now sleep well at night knowing that no one has access to your media library or any information that you’d prefer to remain secret. Please be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up-to-date with the latest unofficial Kodi addons. Please tell your friends, family and coworkers about us, and feel free to visit our discussion forums should you have any questions or concerns.
