In the News
Smart home security devices continue to increase in popularity. In Amazon is turning the Echo into a security system, Jacob Kastrenakes from The Verge discusses a new Amazon Echo feature called Alexa Guard that will act as a home security monitor or in conjunction with a previously installed home security system. Kastrenakes explains that this new feature will allow an Echo to report to a cellular device or a security provider if it picks up a sound of an emergency in the home. Kastrenakes states that this feature will need to be turned on by a vocal command each time one leaves their home.
Our Take
For those who already own an Echo device, the new Alexa Guard feature is an added bonus to the reasons one originally bought the device. Alexa Guard can be turned on if one wants to use it and never used if one chooses that option. As with all smart devices, understanding the benefits and risks of the product are very important. Yes, smart devices make simple tasks easier, but there are also security risks, such as a potential breach exposing your personal information and conversations. When purchasing or using a smart device, be mindful of these positives and negatives and how you would like security/privacy settings configured.
Recommendations
So how can you protect you protect your privacy and security when using smart home devices?
- Utilize security settings on smart devices and turn them off when they are not in use
- Understand the risks of putting your personal information into the world, and only share what you have to
- Understand the legal rights and practices of companies that store your data
- Stay up to date on news regarding recent data breaches and news to see if you may have been affected