Want a smart home without surveillance?

Over the past few years, many of us have started using smart devices in our homes and apartments. They bring lots of new options that make life easier. These devices have a darker side, too.

Over the past few years, many of us have started using smart devices in our homes and apartments. They bring lots of new options that make life easier. These devices have a darker side, too. In today's article we'll look at how they spy on you and how to mitigate it, at least to some extent.

Sharing data

The vast majority of these smart devices share data with third-party companies. Usually without us knowing. So always read the terms of service and actively check whether the product is spying on you.

Eavesdropping

Voice-activated devices are particularly susceptible to eavesdropping, both intentional and accidental. Devices like Amazon's Alexa have recorded conversations that had nothing to do with their intended function. So I recommend either not using these devices, or putting them somewhere they can't easily eavesdrop on you. That limits where you can use the device, but at least you won't be under constant surveillance.

Vulnerability

It's also worth noting that the vast majority of these devices are connected to the internet, and their security is often abysmal. They can become an entry point into your network for attackers. So watch what you connect to your network — it could turn out to be fatal for your data.

How to use these devices safely?

• Before buying, always make sure the product clearly states what information it collects about you — and if any of it doesn't sit right, look for an alternative.

• Disable any tracking that can be disabled. Having nothing to hide doesn't mean you have to hand all that information over.

• If you sign into a device with a password, make it unique and strong!

• Prefer offline devices. Yes, you can't connect remotely — but your data also isn't roaming the internet.

• Avoid anything voice-activated. I know these features are tempting, but they're highly problematic and almost all of them will record what you say.

• Update regularly. As soon as you can!