Secure Your Internet and Wi-Fi
I have covered this topic in previous articles. Now there are smart speakers with Alexa, Siri and Google integrated. I thought I could give you some suggestions on how to protect yourself and protect yourself.
It’s important to recognize that all your smart devices must go through a router before reaching your device. The router will then allow you to connect via a hard wire or Wi-Fi. The hard wire would be faster and more secure; However, Wi-Fi is easier and is in more devices. In either case, make sure your router has a strong password that you have created. Make sure you have the highest level of security for your Wi-Fi network, such as WPA / WPA2. In addition, if your router is older than 5 years, you should consider replacing it with a new modern router. This will ensure that you are using the latest hardware and software security.
Smart speakers appear in homes around the world. They were Amazon’s best-selling during the last Christmas season. They know how to play your favorite music and improve all the time to follow your orders. They can control your alarm system and lock and unlock your front door. Before allowing Alexa, Siri or Google to unlock your front door, ask yourself how safe they are. Can they differentiate your voice from the voice of a stranger? And if you leave your house and a stranger comes to your door and asks “Unlock the door” would he unlock it? Speech recognition improves every day. So test your device before trusting it.
Do Smart TVs follow what you watch? The answer is yes, they can. I wrote another article that explains how they do this and, more importantly, how you can stop it.
Do you have cameras inside your house? Many of us do it. Ask them if they are safe and how can I prevent them from being picked up by a smart actor. This could put you in a very embarrassing situation.
It is important to carefully review each new smart device you buy to determine how it works and what data it collects about you. Then secure this device in your home network. If you are not sure of a particular device, disconnect it from your home network. Remember that most devices you have at home must go through your router, secure it!
George Uliano is a security professional with years of experience in the field of law enforcement and security. He earned a BA in Criminal Justice and Commerce with honors. George holds three US patents on different locking principles. This combination provides George and his company Locking Systems International Inc. with the unique ability to provide customers with the right security at an affordable price.