Archives - Smart Home Security Tips

How to spot rental scams before they steal your information

Searching for a new place to live can be exciting—scrolling listings, imagining your new space, planning your move. But mixed in with legitimate rentals are scammers waiting to take advantage of eager renters. Rental scams have become more common in recent years, and many of them have the same goal: to steal your personal information. […]

How to mute Alexa’s microphone and use the voice remote for better privacy

Alexa makes life easier, but it also raises privacy questions. While Amazon Alexa devices only store relevant information, some users prefer extra control over when the device listens. If you want to make sure Alexa only records commands when you intend, here’s a simple solution: mute the microphone and use the voice remote instead. Why […]

Protect your identity: How to make your voicemail greeting safe

Voicemail greetings seem harmless, right? A quick “Hi, this is John, leave a message” feels friendly and professional. But in today’s world of advanced scams and AI-powered fraud, even your voice can become a security vulnerability. Let’s break down why and what you can do to stay safe. Why Your Voice Matters More Than You […]

Google Nest security tip: enable voice match to stop unauthorized access

Smart speakers are fantastic for busy households, but they come with a big privacy risk: if anyone can shout a command, anyone can access your private information. A guest could ask your speaker about your calendar, your next appointment, or even your saved addresses—all sensitive data linked to your Google Account. Fortunately, Google Nest and […]

Turn it up! Why a loud Alexa is a secure Alexa

We love our smart speakers. They play our favorite playlists, tell us the weather, and settle dinner table debates with a quick fact-check. But have you ever looked over at your Echo device and noticed that tell-tale blue ring spinning silently, even though nobody said the “A-word”? It’s a little spooky, right? Your Alexa device […]

Silence is golden: mute your Google nest for ultimate privacy

That Google Nest speaker in your kitchen is an awesome assistant—it plays music, answers trivia questions, and sets timers perfectly. But for all its convenience, it is, first and foremost, a microphone constantly waiting for its wake word (“Hey Google” or “OK Google”). While Google assures us that it only retains “relevant information” after a […]