Tech Security Todo: Lock Down Your Smart Stuff
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A few words of wisdom before we continue: You probably don't think much about your router. But the unique password you protect may be your only defense against someone who is up to no good.
While you're thinking about it, give your router a stronger password. If you can't upgrade your router, buy a new one. Let's look at other ways to insure.
The secret text code that every family needs in case of crisis or dangerous situation
It can get scary very quickly.
A California family's Nest security camera was hacked. The voice said three North Korean missiles were heading toward the United States and warned them to take cover.
Smart home privacy shouldn't be an impossible task. Run these quick security checks and you'll be good to go.
1. You knew I was going to say this: Update!
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Voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant have a bad habit of recording what is said for later analysis. Hackers can use this against you. Go to your app and look for Voice Phone Privacy Settings . You can automatically and periodically delete your orders from the cloud.
3. Remember the microphone and camera keys.
Smart speakers and displays control your favorite playlists, training videos, and even voice chats with friends. However, if you are concerned about accidental (or intentional) eavesdropping, use the microphone mute buttons and camera shutter buttons on your devices.
These buttons are essential on all new models and provide guaranteed privacy while you chat for as long as you want.
4. Your TV is watching you
We're sorry to bother you, but your streaming services are also tracking your activity. It seems reasonable. Netflix, Hulu and everyone wants to know what you like so they can recommend the content you like and be happy to pay for it.
Of course, surveillance is not good for you. Streaming services record your browsing history and the ads you watch or skip. They then share this data with advertisers.
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Here's a step-by-step guide to clear history on Netflix, Hulu, and more.
If you have a smart TV, you should also check some important settings. Stop spying on your Samsung, LG, Amazon Fire TV or Roku TV devices.
5. Stop sharing everything you buy and offer
Google always seems to know what you want and it's not in your head. Google tracks every search, every click, every message, and every request. Clear your search and activity history from time to time. That is how:
- Go to myaccount.google.com and sign in. You can also go to google.com and click on the circle icon with your photo or initials in the top right corner. Then click Manage your Google Account .
- In the left menu, click Data & Privacy .
- Check marks appear next to Internet Activity, Apps, Location History, and YouTube History. Click each one to adjust its settings. Turn it off to stop tracking if you want.
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Plus, a wild drone rescued a photographer from the snow, a TikTok video about ghost kitchens went viral, The Simpsons predicted an Apple Vision Pro, and 20 tech phrases that have disappeared.
Check out my podcast, Kim Komando Today, on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.
Listen to the podcast here or anywhere. Just search for my last name "Commando".
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