Published 22/04/2020 – est. 4 minutes to read.
What is Amazon Alexa?
Wikipedia definition! Amazon Alexa, also known simply as Alexa, is a virtual assistant AI technology developed by Amazon, first used in the Amazon Echo smart speakers developed by Amazon Lab126. It is capable of voice interaction, music playback, creating to-do lists, setting alarms, streaming podcasts, playing audiobooks, and providing real-time information on weather, traffic, sports, and news. Alexa can also control several smart devices, using itself as a home automation system. Users can extend Alexa’s capabilities by installing ‘skills’ (additional functionality developed by third-party vendors, often called apps in other contexts, such as weather programs and audio features).
Sounds great, doesn’t it – but what considerations should you make regarding your Security and Privacy? Here’s a summary of a few simple things you can do:
Secure your home network!
A secure home network is one of the keys to securing your Alexa and other smart devices. This means using a strong WiFi network password, avoiding default passwords, and keeping your router software (firmware) up to date.
Secure your Amazon account!
Don’t forget that your Alexa device is secured with your Amazon password. If someone has your Amazon password, they can access your Alexa recordings, your smart devices (such as security systems and cameras), make purchases, and much more! Ensure you have a strong, unique password and ALWAYS enable MFA.
Set your Alexa Privacy Settings!
- RECORDINGS – To keep a handle on your recordings, set them to be deleted after at least 3 months. The security-conscious may want to delete at the end of each day, week, or month; however, this must be done manually, as the earliest automatic setting is 3 months. Manage your voice recordings > Automatically delete recordings > 3 MONTHS
- HELP IMPROVE ALEXA – Unless you would like some of your recordings to be listened to by Amazon to help improve the service, you may want to turn this feature off. Manage your voice recordings > Use Voice Recordings to Improve Amazon Services > OFF
- ALLOW MESSAGES TO IMPROVE TRANSCRIPTIONS – Same as above but regarding ‘messages’ you may want to turn this feature off also. Manage your voice recordings > Use Messages to Improve Transcriptions > OFF
Set a PIN for Voice Purchases!
If you plan to have voice purchases “enabled” it’s still a good idea to take extra precaution and add a purchase code. This requires the purchaser to say a four-digit confirmation code before making any voice purchases. (Especially useful if you have children!)
Settings > Alexa Account > Voice Purchasing > ON
Turn off your microphone when you’re not using the device!
You can minimise the risk of anyone (whether you think it is a hacker, neighbour or Amazon!) by turning off your microphone when you don’t plan on using your Echo. Press the microphone on/off button located on top of the device, and Alexa will stop listening. Or alternatively unplug it! ?
So to summarise, Alexa and other Smart devices are very cool… and convenient, but some consideration should be given to your security and privacy!
For more information on how we can act as your trusted partner in cybersecurity and help protect what matters most to your business, please call us on 0161 706 0244 or email info@cybersecurityspecialists.co.uk to speak with a member of our expert team today.
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