In an era where smart home devices are ubiquitous, addressing privacy concerns is paramount. We’ve gathered six tips from privacy experts and founders to safeguard your digital domain. From opting for secure Wi-Fi to reading terms and exercising digital rights, discover how to protect your privacy with these expert recommendations.
- Opt for Secure Wi-Fi
- Review Device Privacy Settings Regularly
- Use Strong Passwords and Disable Unused Features
- Enable Automatic Software Updates
- Adjust Permissions and Isolate Networks
- Read Terms and Exercise Digital Rights
Opt for Secure Wi-Fi
IoT devices don’t have the computing power to be as secure as they should be. The only surefire way to keep smart home devices secure, and to keep your private life private, is to remove smart home devices. However, if you absolutely need to be able to turn the oven on 20 minutes before you get home, be sure to get the most secure Wi-Fi router possible. One that requires two-factor authentication, and uses a highly secure password with multiple cases, symbols, etc.
Bill Mann
Privacy Expert at Cyber Insider, Cyber Insider
Review Device Privacy Settings Regularly
Addressing privacy concerns with smart home devices is something I take seriously, especially as someone who runs a tech-driven business. One best practice I follow is regularly reviewing the privacy settings and permissions of each device to ensure only necessary data is shared. A few years ago, I had a moment when I realized how much personal information my smart devices were collecting—everything from voice commands to my daily routines.
I immediately updated the settings on my smart assistant, disabling unnecessary features like third-party integrations that weren’t vital. Additionally, I recommend setting up a separate Wi-Fi network for your smart devices.
This keeps them isolated from other personal or work-related data, adding an extra layer of protection. These small steps make me feel much more secure while still enjoying the convenience of smart technology.
Aseem Jha
Founder, Legal Consulting Pro
Use Strong Passwords and Disable Unused Features
Privacy issues with smart-home devices should be addressed both in business and personal locations. We highly promote the use of strong, unique passwords on every device and enable two-factor authentication.
We also maintain firmware updates regularly to remove all possibilities of vulnerability. One suggestion I always give to clients: Disable voice-activated applications when they are not in use to prevent unintentional recording by applications like smart speakers. All this keeps the data of a person and the company safe.
Alex Taylor
Head of Marketing, CrownTV
Enable Automatic Software Updates
Regularly updating their software is an effective strategy to address privacy concerns related to your smart home devices. It keeps your smart home devices safe, preventing vulnerable privacy threats and any data breaches. Your smart home devices are quite similar to your smartphone, so you must have the same approach when it comes to handling privacy-related issues.
For example, in my house, I have enabled automatic software updates on my smart devices, since outdated software has vulnerabilities that attract hackers. Software updates basically contain patches that understand modern cyber threats and act accordingly. They prevent unauthorized access to the sensitive data stored in your smart home devices.
If you want to address privacy concerns related to your smart home devices, work on regular software updates. For this, you can set an automatic update option or visit the manufacturer’s website or app.
Soubhik Chakrabarti
CEO, Canada Hustle
Adjust Permissions and Isolate Networks
Issues relating to the privacy of smart-home appliances should be handled with the same proactivity that is applied to sensitive client data at Lansbox. Therefore, one simple tip is to keep checking and adjusting the permissions of all appliances in a manner whereby only essential information is collected and stored.
Not using the microphones on smart speakers while they are not in use reduces the risk of unauthorized listening. For smart devices, we recommend using separate, secure Wi-Fi networks to keep them completely isolated from personal data. Much like we protect your data through logistics, this further secures your privacy as you enjoy the benefits brought about by home smart technologies.
Echo Shao
Founder, Lansbox
Read Terms and Exercise Digital Rights
Smart home devices are produced by a large number of companies and usually come accompanied by dedicated software that you install on your phone or computer. This really is a double-edged sword since, on the one hand, you have data collected by the device itself, as well as by the application, which can provide a potent mix of personal data to the companies on the other end of the line.
One of the most effective things you can do is read the terms and conditions before choosing to purchase and install such a device. Very often, you can find alternatives and companies that have less intrusive business models and collect less data to operate. I know this will take some time, but it is a good investment, especially if you plan to use the respective device for a long time.
The second thing you can do is correctly utilize your digital rights once you stop using such a device. If you live in a jurisdiction that has instituted digital rights (like the EU or a good number of states in the US), it means you have the right to request access to and delete your personal data shared with smart home device manufacturers and operators. In simple terms, you can see at any time what data they are collecting on you and, once you no longer use a particular brand of devices, make sure you send that company a formal data deletion request so that your personal data is no longer utilized by the company. This way, you can decrease the risk of a data breach by having your data in fewer places.
For connected devices, be sure to change the standard login credentials like the default username “user” and “password.” A very large number of devices are hacked in this way because the users simply do not change the default credentials, and malicious access is very easy.
Adrian Vicol
Data Architect & Founder, AgainstData
