Smart technology provides many benefits that help us with our daily lives.

What is important to remember is that all devices that have smart technology, like Alexa, have inherited security risks, including its ability to eavesdrop and collect data.

Alexa is an always-on listening device. It may not always record every word you say near it, but it is listening for a wake word (usually “Alexa”, but you can pick your own). When it hears the wake word, Alexa then it begins recording your voice.

Smart speakers can wake up by accident when they hear something that sounds like its assigned wake word.

Protecting yourself to minimize the information it captures from you when using these devices involves a combination of adjusting settings, practicing good security habits, and being aware of how the device works.

Here is a list of steps to protect yourself when using Alexa and other smart technology.

1. Secure Your Amazon Account

  • Create Strong Passwords: Use a password manager to generate and store a strong, unique password for your Amazon account. For example, a password like “V4$7zG1q!r3” is much stronger than “password123.”
  • Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA on your Amazon account so that in addition to your password, you need to enter a code sent to your phone or email. This adds an extra layer of security.

2. Avoid Using Sensitive Information

  • Don’t Share Personal Details: Refrain from asking Alexa or other smart devices to store or recall sensitive information like Social Security numbers, bank account details, or passwords.
  • Be Cautious with Commands: Avoid using voice commands that might reveal private information inadvertently. For instance, instead of saying, “What’s my balance?” consider checking your bank balance directly through a secure app.

3. Disable Voice Purchasing

  • Turn Off Voice Purchasing: Go to the Alexa app, navigate to Settings > Account Settings > Voice Purchasing, and toggle off “Purchase by Voice” to prevent accidental or unauthorized purchases.

4. Set Up Voice Profiles and PINs

  • Create Voice Profiles: Set up individual voice profiles in the Alexa app to ensure that the device recognizes who is speaking and can provide personalized responses without confusion.
  • Enable PIN for Purchases: In the Alexa app, set a 4-digit PIN for voice purchases to prevent unauthorized transactions.

5. Opt-Out of Data Sharing

  • Adjust Privacy Settings: In the Alexa app, go to Settings > Privacy > Manage Smart Home Devices and turn off data sharing options. You can also opt out of sharing your voice recordings with Amazon.

6. Turn Off Microphone When Not in Use

  • Mute the Device: Use the physical microphone mute button on your Alexa device to disable it when you’re not using it. This prevents it from listening to conversations inadvertently.

7. Be Mindful of Where You Place Your Device

  • Choose a Secure Location: Place your Alexa device in a less public area of your home, such as a private corner rather than a common area where conversations may be overheard.

8. Change Your Wake Word

  • Customize the Wake Word: In the Alexa app, go to Settings > Device Settings, select your device, and choose a different wake word like “Amazon” or “Echo” to reduce the chances of accidental activations.

9. Delete Your Alexa Voice Recordings and Transcripts

  • Regularly Review and Delete Recordings: In the Alexa app, go to Settings > Privacy > Review Voice History, and delete old recordings and transcripts that are no longer needed.

10. Keep Software Updated

  • Install Updates: Ensure that your Alexa device and any associated apps are running the latest software versions. Updates often include security patches that help protect against vulnerabilities.