Anything connected to the internet is a target for hackers, and you should expect that every Internet of Things (IoT) gadget in your home will be a target for hackers.
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Before we move on, a quick word of wisdom: You probably don't think about your router much. But the single password that locks it down may be the only line of safety between you and a malicious person.
While you're at it, set a strong password on your router. If you can't update your router, buy a new router. Let's take a look at more ways to stay safe.
Things like this can get very scary and very quickly
A California family had their Nest security camera hacked. There were reports that three missiles from North Korea were headed toward the United States, and a warning was issued to evacuate.
An Arkansas mother couldn't figure out why her baby couldn't sleep through the night.It turns out that the baby monitor was hacked by someone talking to it every night at 10:30 p.m.
A Wisconsin couple woke up sweating after a hacker set their smart thermostat to 90 degrees.
Orphaned instance? Unlikely.If you have a large number of smart home devices, you could receive up to 12,000 hacking attempts per week. And you probably don't even know it's happening.
Smart home privacy doesn't have to feel like Mission: Impossible. Perform these simple safety checks and you're good to go.
1. You knew I was going to say this: Update!
Encrypt and password-protect your smart devices with apps and routers to prevent hackers from controlling your smart devices. If it's been a while, check the latest versions of your smart home apps and install any available updates. This may include important security improvements.
pro tips: Look for features like: Case or thread Criteria when purchasing smart home technology. These give you the security you deserve as a spy.
2. Enable automatic voice assistant deletion
Voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant have a bad habit of recording what you say for later analysis. Hackers can use it to attack you.Visit the app to find out Audio privacy settings. Commands can be automatically and periodically removed from the cloud.
3. Memorize microphone and cam switches
Smart speakers and displays manage your favorite playlists, instructional videos, and even voice chats with friends. However, if you're concerned about accidental (or intentional) eavesdropping, find the device and use it. microphone mute and camera shutter button.
All new models should have these buttons. This guarantees privacy over your calls for as long as you need them.
4. The TV is watching you right away.
Sorry to bother you, but streaming services also track your activity. That makes sense. Netflix, Hulu, and all the other companies want to know what shows you like so they can recommend content you enjoy and are willing to pay for.
Of course, surveillance is not for your benefit. Streaming services collect your viewing history and the ads you watch or skip. We then share this data with advertisers.
Here's a step-by-step guide to clearing your history on Netflix, Hulu, and more.
If you have a smart TV, there are also important settings to check. Stop spying on your Samsung, LG, Amazon Fire TV, or Roku TV.
5. Stop sharing everything you buy or view
Google always seems to know what you want, but it's not what's in your head. Google tracks every search, click, message, and request. Clear your search history and activity from time to time. Here's how:
- Visit myaccount.google.com and log in. Or go to google.com and click the circular icon with your image or initials in the top right corner.then click Manage your Google Account.
- click data privacy It's in the menu on the left.
- A checkmark will appear next to “Web & App Activity,” “Location History,” and “YouTube History.” Click on each one to adjust the settings.switch them off Stop further tracking if necessary.
These pages also allow you to set up automatic deletion for future activity. Enabling this is highly recommended. You can choose from 3 months, 18 months, or 36 months.
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