The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
How to keep your smartenedup home safe from hackers
NEW YORK » More people are getting voice-activated speakers and other smart devices for convenience and security. But doing so could also be giving hackers a key to their homes.
Many devices from reputable manufacturers have safeguards built in, but those can’t guarantee against hacks. Gadgets from startups and no-name brands may offer little or no protection.
Before buying one, here are some risks to assess.
LISTENING IN
Speakers with built-in microphones are increasingly popular. Devices such as Amazon’s Echo and Google Home let people check the weather or their personal calendar with simple voice commands. Beyond that, many smart TVs and TV streaming devices now have voice-activated functions, often for playback controls and video search. Many newer toys also come with microphones so kids can talk to them and get canned responses.
Many of these devices are constantly listening for your commands; when they receive them, they connect to corporate servers to carry them out. What if you’re having private conversations at home? Are they getting sent over the internet, too?
In some cases, sound recordings will only leave home when you trigger the device. You might have to speak a command phrase like “OK Google” or press a button to get the de