We invite "smart" assistants into our living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens. We talk to them, and they listen. But who else is listening?
The "Always Listening" Problem
Smart speakers (Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant) are designed to listen for a "wake word". To do this, their microphones must be active 24/7. While companies claim audio is only recorded after the wake word, accidental triggers happen constantly. Investigations have revealed that human contractors sometimes review these "accidental" recordings to improve AI accuracy.
IoT Cameras: The Eyes Inside
Cheap smart cameras are the biggest security risk in the modern home. Many use generic firmware with hardcoded backdoors.
🛡️ Secure Your Cameras
Never rely on the default password. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on your camera app account immediately. If a hacker cracks your password, 2FA is the only thing stopping them from watching your children sleep.
Data Collection
Smart thermostats know when you are home. Smart locks know when you leave. Smart TVs know what you watch. This data is aggregated to build a profile of your daily life, which is then sold to advertisers.
Actionable Advice
- Mute the Mic: Most smart speakers have a physical mute button. Use it when having private conversations.
- Cover the Camera: If you have indoor cameras, plug them into a smart plug and schedule them to turn OFF when you are home.
- Guest Network: Isolate all IoT devices on a guest Wi-Fi network so a compromised fridge can't attack your laptop.