Modern devices: a fine line between opportunities and risks
In the world of rapidly expanding technological era, smart speakers like Amazon Alexa have become an integral part of our daily lives. Their ability to interact with us via voice command, control home automation, and provide various information services makes them incredibly attractive to consumers.
Where the danger lies and how to avoid it
Smart speakers have been designed to interact harmoniously with people, as well as skillfully integrate into their living spaces. But there is a possibility that this may come at the expense of a person's privacy. Why? Let's find out below.
There is a generally accepted statement: when users interact with smart speakers, their information is collected only by large developers such as Amazon, Google and Apple. However, the reality is that some of the features and software of these gadgets are developed by third parties, posing a potential threat to data security when users install them on their devices. We are talking about sensitive data, such as personal accounts. Some of these third-party skills may be less strictly moderated than those provided by manufacturers, which opens the door to potential hacking and information leaks.
In some cases, smart speakers can sometimes misinterpret voice commands, which leads to unwanted turning on or off of the device, performing the intended options without the knowledge of the owner. This can lead to unpleasant situations, such as unwanted purchases of goods without the user's consent. But it's their shopping ability that makes smart speakers like Amazon Alexa so popular, especially in kitchens and pantries where they can help manage household inventory.
Risks also lie in the algorithm for paying for purchases, which is implemented along a proven path, sometimes without additional verification and confirmation of the user. Smart speakers pay for purchases through owner accounts connected to them using saved payment methods. When a user makes a purchase request or the device misinterprets the words spoken in this way, the device automatically processes the order using the payment information that was previously entered or associated with the user's account. This allows the smart speaker to shop online or order services without having to enter payment information each time. Is it worth giving the device such powers?
Options for minimizing risks
To protect against such threats, you can:
- Activate two-factor authentication or two-step verification on your device. This method adds an additional layer of security, since in addition to entering the password created registration, the user also needs confirmation using a code sent to the mobile phone via text message or a special authentication application.
- Connect via VPN – This solution will help create an additional layer of protection by encrypting transmitted data and hiding the user’s real IP address. This can reduce the likelihood of information being intercepted and protect against unwanted interference with the device and associated accounts with personal information. But even with VPN you need to be careful and aware when using smart speakers. Proper security setup and awareness of possible risks can significantly reduce the likelihood of negative consequences.
As a result, despite some cyber risks, Amazon Alexa and other similar devices remain popular and useful, because they greatly simplify and improve our daily lives. Their careful use in combination with additional security measures will help minimize possible threats and ensure user safety.
Private VPN server: the best representative of VPN technologies
Private VPN server does an excellent job of minimizing the risk of personal information leakage when using smart speakers, providing an additional level of encryption and anonymity on the Internet.
When the device is connected to a private VPN server, all network traffic between the smart speaker and the target Internet resource passes through a secure connection. This makes it difficult for third parties, such as hackers or unwanted third-party applications, to intercept the user's personal data transmitted through the smart speaker. Thus, using a private VPN server can help ensure the confidentiality and security of personal information when interacting with smart speakers and other similar gadgets with advanced rights and capabilities.
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