In an era dominated by smart technology, the convenience of an always-listening device is undeniable. From virtual assistants to smart speakers, these gadgets have revolutionized the way we interact with technology. However, the ease of use comes with a growing concern. How can we ensure our privacy in an environment where our voices are constantly being heard?
These practical strategies provided by KnowBe4 can help you protect yourself around always-listening devices, allowing you to enjoy the benefits without compromising your personal privacy.
Review and Delete Voice Recordings
One of the first steps to protect your privacy is to regularly review and delete voice recordings stored by your device. Whether it’s a smart speaker, virtual assistant, or any other voice-activated gadget, these devices accumulate a history of your searches and activities. By taking the time to review and delete these recordings, you maintain control over the information stored and reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
Mute the Microphone
Take advantage of the mute feature on your device to ensure it’s not listening and recording when you don’t want it to. By muting the microphone, you disable the device’s ability to capture audio until you choose to unmute it. This simple action adds an extra layer of security, especially when discussing sensitive information or when you want to ensure your privacy.
Avoid Linking Sensitive Accounts
Resist the temptation to link accounts containing sensitive information to your always-listening device. Whether it’s your bank account, email, or other accounts with confidential data, keeping them unlinked provides an additional barrier against potential data breaches. This precautionary measure ensures that even if your device is compromised, your most sensitive information remains secure.
Automatically Manage Data Settings
Take control of the data stored by your device by adjusting the settings to automatically manage the information linked to your account. This not only gives you more oversight of what data is being stored but also streamlines the process of deleting your history. By personally managing your device’s data settings, you can customize your privacy preferences and reduce the risk of unwanted data retention.
Turn Off Your Device When You’re Away
If your always-listening device has a power button, make it a habit to turn it off when not in use. For devices without a power button, such as smart speakers connected to a power source, unplug them. This practice ensures that your device is completely inactive and not susceptible to unauthorized access, providing an effective way to safeguard your privacy.
By incorporating these practices into your routine, you create a strong defense against potential privacy threats associated with always-listening devices. Regularly reviewing and deleting voice recordings, muting the microphone, avoiding the linkage of sensitive accounts, managing data settings, and turning off your device when not in use contribute to an extra layer of protection between your personal information and the advanced technology designed to make your life easier.
