Smart Speaker Security: What’s The Most Important Consideration When Using a Smart Speaker?
Over the past few years, smart speakers have increasingly become a part of everyday life. They've grown in popularity due to their advanced voice assistants, high-quality audio, and ease-of-use. Plus, their integration with a wide range of smart home technologies has made them integral to the growing Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem.
But do some of these qualities leave you vulnerable to a cyberattack? What can be done to improve smart speaker security? Let’s count down the top 4 most important smart speaker security considerations.
4. Make Sure Your Device is Updated
Be aware that outdated firmware could leave your device vulnerable to hacking or other security breaches. Always install security patches as soon as they’re released. You can also ensure that your smart speaker automatically updates its firmware to address vulnerabilities.
3. Be Aware of Voice Activation Abilities
If a smart speaker is placed in a shared space, there’s a chance that unauthorized individuals might issue commands. While some smart speakers allow for voice recognition, it’s not always foolproof. So, be aware of commands that could be triggered by voice. For example, "buy now" or "send money" might be exploited by malicious individuals. Ensure that access to your smart speaker is secured with strong passwords or authentication methods, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), if it’s supported by your device.
2. Be Careful with Wi-Fi Networks
Smart speakers rely on Wi-Fi to function, so securing your home Wi-Fi network is crucial. Use WPA3 encryption and ensure the Wi-Fi network is protected with a strong, unique password. If possible, place the smart speaker on a separate guest network, so if the main network is compromised, the speaker remains isolated.
Public Wi-Fi networks can allow attackers to create fake versions of known devices or networks. For instance, an attacker could set up a rogue access point (a fake Wi-Fi network) that appears as a legitimate network your smart speaker may try to connect to automatically. Disable automatic Wi-Fi connection on your smart speaker and manually select trusted networks. Avoid connecting to any networks that are not verified or come with suspicious names.
Related Reading: The Importance of Security in Professional AV Settings
A man-in-the-middle (MitM) attack occurs when an attacker intercepts the communication between your device and the server (or between your smart speaker and the internet). On public Wi-Fi, an attacker can position themselves between your device and the internet, allowing them to capture, modify, or inject malicious data. Avoid using smart speakers on unsecured or open public Wi-Fi networks.
If you must use public Wi-Fi and are worried about any data being captured, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt the communication between your device and the smart speaker. Additionally, in shared environments, consider using features that limit what can be accessed or controlled through the speaker, such as restricting access to calendars or private information.
1. Stay Aware of Data Captured and How It’s Processed
The most important security consideration when using a smart speaker is being aware of the data captured by the device and how it’s processed—and remaining aware of any updates or changes.
Smart speakers constantly listen for voice commands, which can be stored in the cloud for processing. Voice interactions may also be recorded. In response to growing privacy concerns, most smart speaker manufacturers have introduced privacy controls to let users manage what data is captured. Disable features like voice history, location tracking, or personalized ads if you’re concerned about your privacy.
It’s imperative to understand what data is being collected, how long it’s retained, and who has access to it. So, make sure to read the privacy policy and terms of service of your smart speaker, and keep up with terms as they change. Limit the device’s permissions to only what’s necessary for you, and review third-party apps and integrations regularly.
In Closing
Smart speakers may make life more convenient, but they do pose security risks. By staying on top of these security considerations, you can help ensure that your smart speaker remains as secure and private as possible. Regular monitoring, updates, and configuration of settings will minimize security risks.
