Essential Security and Privacy Guidelines for Google Home and Amazon Echo Owners
Accessing information, managing your smart home, or jamming to your preferred music using just your voice is undeniably convenient. However, devices like Google Home and Amazon Echo may not prioritize your privacy and security as much as you’d hope. Embrace the convenience, but familiarize yourself with some essential smart home privacy strategies to enhance your safety.
Understanding Privacy Threats with Google Home and Amazon Echo
The ease of activating your assistant by merely saying “Hey Google” or “Hey Alexa” comes with a catch: your devices are constantly listening. While they are intended to respond only when prompted, we’ve all experienced times when they activate unexpectedly, even without a wake command.
Unfortunately, cybercriminals are constantly on the lookout for security flaws, aiming to keep your AI assistants alert and exploit what they overhear.
Numerous reports have surfaced regarding voice-activated gadgets spying on users without consent. For instance, a user from AndroidPolice found that their Google Home Mini was recording conversations without any wake prompt. Although Google addressed the issue through a firmware update, it highlights that vulnerabilities can arise.
Moreover, since your spoken commands are saved on remote servers, authorities can subpoena data from Google or Amazon when necessary.
Here are some prevalent privacy risks associated with these devices:
- Conversations with the device may be recorded
- Possibility of unauthorized purchases
- Recording and listening occurring even without the wake word
- Hackers might exploit devices to monitor users
- Capturing sensitive details without consent
- Malicious software disguised as apps requesting sensitive data
Fortunately, there are methods to bolster your device security.
Preventing Unauthorized Transactions
Both Amazon Echo and Google Home offer the capability for voice-activated shopping. Yet, you can implement measures to safeguard against unauthorized purchases. The specific steps may vary by device, but you can typically adjust these settings within the respective Alexa and Google Home applications.
To disable purchases via your smart speaker or display, simply turn off the voice purchasing feature. If you have a family group set up on a Google device, be sure to restrict purchasing for any child accounts.
Disable the Microphone and Camera When Not Needed
Although it might not be the most convenient to press the microphone button, this step is one of the most effective privacy tips for your smart home. Personally, I disable the mic each night to avoid the chance of waking up and having my assistant respond to my sleep talking. Now, I can rest easy knowing there’s no one listening.
If you think you may need to vocalize an emergency call to 911, consider keeping the mic on.
Additionally, if your device features a camera, make sure to turn it off when not in use. Hackers will be unable to see you as long as the camera cover is in place.
Erasing Old Recordings
Your interactions with smart assistants are stored automatically. While it may feel intrusive, it’s part of how these AI systems learn and improve.
For Google Home users, open the Google app, tap your profile icon, and select Search history. Then, navigate to Saving to Web and App Activity and choose Google Assistant from the list of apps. Alternatively, you can visit the Google Assistant My Activity page.
Select the Delete dropdown and choose your desired time frame for deletion. You can also set your Google account to automatically erase activity after a specified duration. I opted for 3 months, as it’s the briefest option available.
If you possess an Amazon Echo, open the Alexa app, navigate to More, select Settings, and go to Alexa Privacy. Here, you can examine your activity history across various categories and delete what you find unnecessary.
I recommend visiting Manage Your Alexa Data and enabling Enable deletion by voice. This allows you to simply say, “Alexa, delete everything I said today” at the end of each day. Alternatively, you can choose Choose how long to save recordings option. You can set it for 3 months or opt for Don’t save recordings to stop capturing data and erase all previous recordings.
Avoid Sharing Sensitive Information with Apps
Cybercriminals are indifferent to the type of device you own; their aim is to gain access. It can be frustrating, but it is essential to be cautious about which apps or skills you activate on your smart speakers due to the rising threat of malware.
Before enabling any third-party app or skill, take a moment to evaluate its credibility. Sticking with official options is the safest route, like using Google Weather Frog. Never disclose sensitive information. No legitimate app or skill will request you to provide your username, password, or payment details directly. Always ensure that payments are processed exclusively through your linked Google or Amazon payment method.
Establish Strong Passwords
Even with robust security for your Google Home and Amazon Echo devices, if the password for your accounts (Google or Amazon) isn’t secure, your risks persist.
For Amazon Echo users, a PIN can be set up to prevent misuse by others in your home, like visitors. Open the Alexa app on your smartphone, go to More -> Settings. Tap Your Profile & Family, and select Set PIN. Follow the prompts to create a four-digit PIN.
Employ a Separate Wi-Fi Network
While this suggestion may seem excessive to some, creating a dedicated network exclusively for your smart home devices provides an additional layer of security and privacy. This involves a more complex setup, but it can be worthwhile for heightened protection.
Be Cautious in Sharing
Google Home and Amazon Echo have transformed our daily tasks, with their features continually enhancing. However, as their capabilities improve, so do the methods used by cybercriminals to exploit them. Implement these smart home privacy strategies and be mindful in sharing information. If any settings get altered and things malfunction, you can always reset your device to factory settings.
Image credit: Unsplash. All screenshots and images by Crystal Crowder.
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