If you use Alexa, Echo, or many other Amazon devices, you have only 10 days until you’re opted in to an experiment that leaves your personal privacy and security hanging in the balance.
One in 10 US police departments can now access videos from millions of privately owned home security cameras without a warrant
https://www.wired.com/story/star-witness-your-smart-speaker/
Requests are rising from law enforcement for information on the devices, which can include internet queries, food orders, and overheard conversations.
https://www.theverge.com/2020/2/5/21123491/philips-hue-bulb-hack-hub-firmware-patch-update
Might want to check if you’ve got firmware 1935144040
https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/y3mdvk/ring-fired-employees-abusing-video-data
The news highlights a risk across many different tech companies: employees may abuse access granted as part of their jobs to look at customer data or information. In Ring’s case this data can be particularly sensitive though, as customers often put the cameras inside their home.
fails to adequately protect children’s privacy by illegally keeping data on children even after their parents try to delete it
“The goal of the Connected Home over IP project is to simplify development for manufacturers and increase compatibility for consumers.”
https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/epg4xm/amazon-ring-camera-security
Ring lacks basic security features, making it easy for hackers to turn the company’s cameras against its customers.
https://techcrunch.com/2019/12/01/fbi-smart-tv-security/
Beyond the risk that your TV manufacturer and app developers may be listening and watching you, that television can also be a gateway for hackers to come into your home. A bad cyber actor may not be able to access your locked-down computer directly, but it is possible that your unsecured TV can give him or her an easy way in the backdoor through your router
arguably one of the bigger issues that should cause as much if not greater concerns are how much tracking data is collected on smart TV owners.
collect tons of information about what users are watching in order to help advertisers better target ads against their viewers
The FBI recommends placing black tape over an unused smart TV camera, keeping your smart TV up-to-date with the latest patches and fixes
As convenient as it might be, the most secure smart TV might be one that isn’t connected to the internet at all.