Smart speakers, with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri, make our lives more convenient. They can play music, set reminders, control smart home devices, and even answer questions like, “What is zero divided by zero?”. But like any technology connected to the internet, they can also be a target for hackers or privacy breaches. So, here are some simple steps to secure your smart speaker and keep your personal information safe.
1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
A strong password is your first line of defense against hackers. Make sure the account linked to your smart speaker has a unique, complicated password that includes a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easy-to-guess words like your name, birthday, pet’s name, or “password123.”
2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
When it’s available, multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security to smart devices. With MFA enabled, you’ll need biometrics, a password, or a code sent to your phone or email to access certain smart speaker features. This makes it much harder for anyone to make purchases or access your accounts without permission.
3. Update Your Software Regularly
Just like your phone or computer, smart speakers need software updates. These updates often include important security patches that fix weaknesses hackers could exploit. Make sure to turn on automatic updates so your speaker’s software is always up to date.
4. Limit What Your Smart Speaker Can Do
Most smart speakers have settings that allow you to control what the device can access. Review these settings to make sure your speaker only has access to what’s necessary. For example, you can disable voice purchases or limit how much personal data the speaker can store.
5. Be Mindful of What You Connect
Smart speakers often act as hubs for other smart devices in our homes—like lights, security cameras, and thermostats. It’s handy, but best to avoid connecting your smart speakers to your security cameras or electronic door locks. When connected, you leave yourself vulnerable to intruders or hackers looking to unlock the doors or access your cameras with just a few pieces of information about your device. If you do decide to connect, enable a PIN to unlock cameras or doors and make sure the software is automatically updated.
5. Be Careful with Third-Party Apps and Skills
Many smart speakers let you add third-party apps or skills to enhance functionality. While these can be fun and useful, they also come with potential risks. Only download skills from trusted developers and regularly review the permissions these apps have on your account.
6. Mute the Microphone When You’re Not Using It
Smart speakers are always listening for their “wake word,” like “Alexa” or “Hey Google.” If you’re not using the speaker, consider muting the microphone to prevent it from accidentally recording conversations. Most smart speakers have a setting or physical button that lets you mute or unmute the microphone easily. (You will, of course, have to turn it back on if you want it to listen and respond.)
7. Review Voice History Regularly
Most smart speakers store voice recordings of your interactions. Review your voice history regularly and delete recordings that you no longer need. This helps reduce the amount of personal information stored on the device.
8. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network
Since your smart speaker connects to your home Wi-Fi, having a secure network is key. Make sure your Wi-Fi has a strong password, and consider setting up a guest network for devices like smart speakers that don’t need access to all your personal devices.
9. Be Mindful of Where You Place Your Speaker
Where you place your smart speaker can impact your privacy. Avoid putting it in private areas like bedrooms or near windows where someone outside could potentially interact with it. Keep it in a common area where you can monitor its use.
10. Disconnect When You’re Away
If you’re going away for an extended period of time, it might be a good idea to unplug your smart speaker or turn it off. This ensures that no one can use the device while you’re not around.
Remember, smart speakers are convenient, but they come with some risks. So, be thoughtful of how you use them and follow these security tips to protect your personal information.
Want more security tips?
- Take our “How Safe Are You Online” quiz.
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- Read about the 8 P’s of Common Scams.