Smart Home
Home assistants (such as Google Home, Alexa and Siri) and other internet connected devices collect large amounts of personal data (including voice samples, location data, home details and logs of all interactions). Since you have limited control on what is being collected, how it's stored, and what it will be used for, this makes it hard to recommend any consumer smart-home products to anyone who cares about privacy and security. Security vs Privacy: There are many smart devices on the market that claim to increase the security of your home while being easy and convenient to use (Such as Smart Burglar Alarms, Internet Security Cameras, Smart Locks and Remote access Doorbells to name a few). These devices may appear to make security easier, but there is a trade-off in terms of privacy: as they collect large amounts of personal data, and leave you without control over how this is stored or used. The security of these devices is also questionable, since many of them can be (and are being) hacked, allowing an intruder to bypass detection with minimum effort. The most privacy-respecting option, would be to not use "smart" internet-connected devices in your home, and not to rely on a security device that requires an internet connection. But if you do, it is important to fully understand the risks of any given product, before buying it. Then adjust settings to increase privacy and security. The following checklist will help mitigate the risks associated with internet-connected home devices.
0 out of 13 (0%) complete, 0 ignored
| Done? | Advice | Level | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
Essential | Change default device names to something generic to prevent targeted attacks by obscuring brand or model information. | ||
Essential | Use hardware switches to turn off microphones and cameras on smart devices to protect against accidental recordings or targeted access. | ||
Essential | Research and ensure comfort with the data handling practices of smart home devices before purchase, avoiding devices that share data with third parties. | ||
Essential | Adjust app settings for strictest privacy controls and opt-out of data sharing with third parties wherever possible. | ||
Essential | Use anonymous usernames and passwords, avoiding sign-up/log-in via social media or other third-party services to maintain privacy. | ||
Essential | Regularly update smart device firmware to apply security patches and enhancements. | ||
Essential | Secure your home WiFi and network to prevent unauthorized access to smart devices. | ||
Optional | Consider the extensive data collection capabilities of wearable devices and their implications for privacy. | ||
Optional | Evaluate the risks of internet-connected thermostats, alarms, and detectors due to potential remote access by hackers. | ||
Optional | Consider privacy-focused alternatives like Mycroft or use Project Alias to prevent idle listening by voice-activated assistants. | ||
Optional | Use tools like FingBox or router features to monitor for unusual network activity. | ||
Advanced | Use firewalls to block internet access for devices that don't need it, limiting operation to local network use. | ||
Advanced | Consider the privacy implications for all household members and adjust device settings for security and privacy, such as disabling devices at certain times. |