In the age of the Internet of Things age, our homes are becoming increasingly connected. These devices promise to make our lives more convenient and secure, from smart speakers to security cameras.
However, lurking beneath the surface is a troubling reality: many of these devices are quietly tracking our every move, collecting vast amounts of personal data that could be used against us.
We’ve embraced smart home technology with open arms as a society, but at what cost? Here are the most common smart home devices that are likely spying on you and what you can do to protect your privacy.
1. Smart Speakers
Smart speakers like Amazon Echo and Google Home have become ubiquitous in households nationwide. While these devices offer hands-free convenience, they also constantly listen, waiting for their “wake word.” But what happens to all that audio data?
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According to a recent study by Northeastern University, smart speakers can accidentally activate and record conversations up to 19 times per day.
Private discussions could be transmitted to the cloud without your knowledge or consent.
2. Smart TVs
That big, beautiful, smart TV in your living room? It’s probably tracking your viewing habits and selling that data to advertisers. Many smart TVs come with built-in cameras and microphones, which could potentially be used to spy on you.
In 2017, Vizio paid $2.2 million to settle charges that it had been collecting viewing data on millions of smart TVs without users’ knowledge or consent. (ref)
To protect your privacy, consider disabling the camera and microphone on your smart TV or even covering the camera with a piece of tape.
3. Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats like Nest and Ecobee are designed to learn your temperature preferences and automatically adjust your home’s climate to save energy. However, these devices also collect data about when you’re home, when you’re away, and your daily routines.
While this data is primarily used to optimize energy usage, it could be sold to third parties or accessed by hackers.
Choose a smart thermostat with strong encryption to minimize risk and regularly update the firmware.
4. Smart Locks
Smart locks offer the convenience of unlocking your door with your smartphone but also have inherent security risks. If hackers access your smart lock, they could easily break into your home.
In 2016, researchers discovered vulnerabilities in several popular smart lock brands that could allow hackers to unlock doors without a password. (ref)
When choosing a smart lock, look for one with robust encryption and two-factor authentication.
5. Smart Doorbells
Smart doorbells like Ring and Nest Hello allow you to see and communicate with visitors at your door, even when you’re not home. However, these devices are also equipped with cameras and microphones that could be used to spy on you.
In 2019, a group of hackers gained access to Ring’s systems and were able to view and download videos from users’ devices. (ref)
Regularly update your smart doorbell’s firmware to protect your privacy, and choose a robust and unique password.
6. Smart Cameras
Smart security cameras can give you peace of mind by allowing you to monitor your home from anywhere. However, these devices are also a prime target for hackers, who could access the camera’s feed and spy on you.
When setting up your smart camera, change the default password and enable two-factor authentication if available.
7. Smart Appliances
Smart appliances are becoming increasingly common in modern homes, from refrigerators to ovens. While these devices offer convenient features like remote control and automatic ordering, they also collect data about your daily habits.
For example, a smart refrigerator could track what you eat and when, while a smart oven could know when and what you’re making.
To minimize privacy risks, consider opting for appliances with minimal, smart features or turning off the connectivity altogether.
8. Smart Lights
Smart light bulbs like Philips Hue and LIFX allow you to control your home’s lighting from your smartphone, but they could also be used to track your movements and daily routines.
By analyzing the patterns of when your lights are turned on and off, a hacker could determine when you’re home, away, and even what rooms you’re using.
To protect your privacy, consider using smart lights that don’t require a constant internet connection or turning off the connectivity when not in use.
9. Smart Smoke Detectors
Smart smoke detectors like Nest Protect can alert you to potential fires even when you’re away from home. However, these devices are also equipped with microphones that could be used to eavesdrop on your conversations.
When choosing a smart smoke detector, look for one that doesn’t have a built-in microphone or disable the microphone if possible.
10. Smart Vacuums
Robot vacuums like Roomba have become popular with busy homeowners who want to keep their floors clean with minimal effort. However, these devices also have cameras and sensors that map out your home’s layout, potentially revealing sensitive information.
In 2017, iRobot CEO Colin Angle suggested that the company might someday share Roomba’s mapping data with third parties, raising privacy concerns.
To minimize risk, choose a robot vacuum without mapping capabilities, or opt for a traditional, non-connected vacuum.
11. Smart Scales
Those high-tech scales in your bathroom may do more than just measure your weight. Many smart scales sync with fitness apps, transmitting sensitive data like weight, body fat percentage, and heart rate.
While this information can help track your health goals, it’s important to consider who else can access this data.
Fitness apps are notorious for sharing user data with third parties for advertising purposes, often without explicit consent.
12. Smart Beds
Sleep tracking is all the rage these days, with smart beds promising to optimize your slumber by adjusting firmness and temperature and even monitoring your sleep patterns. However, these beds also collect incredibly intimate data about your sleep habits and movements.
Some smart bed manufacturers have come under fire for sharing this data with third parties without properly anonymizing it, potentially exposing users to privacy risks.
Before investing in a smart bed, read the fine print and understand how your data will be used.
13. Smart Ovens
The kitchen is becoming increasingly connected, with smart ovens that can preheat remotely, adjust cooking times, and suggest recipes based on your preferences. However, these ovens also collect data on your cooking habits, which could be used to infer sensitive information about your lifestyle and dietary preferences.
Some smart oven manufacturers have been criticized for poor security practices, leaving users vulnerable to hacking attempts.
In one alarming incident, a smart oven was hacked and turned on remotely, posing a serious safety risk.
14. Smart Sprinkler Systems
Smart sprinkler systems promise to save water and money by automatically adjusting watering schedules based on weather conditions and soil moisture levels. However, these systems also collect data on your landscaping habits, which could be used to infer when you’re home or away.
In addition, some smart sprinkler systems have been found to have serious security vulnerabilities, allowing hackers to remotely control the system and even access the homeowner’s Wi-Fi network.
Before installing a smart sprinkler system, research the manufacturer’s security practices.
15. Smart Baby Monitors
Smart baby monitors offer new parents peace of mind by allowing them to check on their little ones from anywhere. However, these monitors also collect sensitive data about your baby’s sleep patterns, movements, and cries.
In a disturbing trend, some hackers have targeted smart baby monitors, using them to spy on families and even communicate with children.
To protect your privacy, look for a smart baby monitor with strong encryption and avoid connecting it to public Wi-Fi networks.
By being aware of the potential privacy risks associated with smart home devices, you can make informed decisions about which products to use and how to secure them.
Remember, convenience should never come at the cost of privacy and security.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.