Amazon echo security settings – Can I Use Alexa to listen remotely ? In a world full of spy apps and smart technology, it’s no surprise people are truly concerned about the privacy of their devices and data. Even with this concern, people still continue to update their living situation with smart homes and other smart products. One of the most essential items in a smart home is a smart speaker like the Google Home or Amazon Echo.
However, it has been proven that Echo devices are able to record, store, and share people’s conversations with Amazon. So the question, Is Alexa Spying On Us?, is actually true! In light of this revelation, Amazon has made some adjustments to give Alexa users the ability to control their recordings and who has access to them.
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What Is Alexa?
Alexa is an artificial intelligence virtual and voice assistant, which Amazon debuted back in 2014. Originally, Alexa was only able to be used on Echo devices like Echo, Echo Dot, and Echo Show. Now, Alexa has become compatible with other smart home devices like the Amazon Smart Plug, Ring Video Doorbell, and Ecobee Smart Thermostat.
Through an Echo, users are able to make calendar events, call people, order items, play music and games, and much more. All of this can be accomplished by saying your wake work, “Alexa” by default, and what you would like her to do. It’s that simple can i use alexa to listen to my house ?!
Can I Use Alexa To Listen Remotely
Amazon Alexa Security Concerns
can i use alexa to listen remotely ?
- Alexa Recording Users’ Conversations
The continuing issue of Alexa recording, storing, and sharing users’ conversations have been in the forefront since 2018. First, it started with a few individual news headlines of specific users’ conversations being shared with other people. Amidst the controversy in 2019, Amazon announced that Alexa does in fact record conversations in order to “Improve Amazon Services and Develop New Features.” Today, Echo users are highly concerned about who gets access to these recordings.
- Amazon Employees Listening To Your Conversations
In spring of 2019, Amazon admitted their employees listen to Alexa recordings. Why? Human reviewing of these recordings help Alexa better respond to commands and understand human speech. Recordings are also reviewed by Amazon employees to contribute in developing new Alexa features.
- Accidentally Sending Recorded Conversations
Just like with all technology, the Echo has its flaws. There have been multiple instances where private conversations recorded by Alexa have been sent to others by accident. A woman named Danielle from Oregan experienced this first hand. She had multiple echo devices and compatible smart bulbs in her home. One day, she received a call from one of her husband’s colleagues who said to unplug her Alexa devices. She learned that somehow private conversations with her husband were sent to his colleague.
How To Secure Your Echo Speaker
To stop Alexa from recording your conversations and avoid them being heard by another, here are some steps you can take.
Make Sure Your Amazon Account Is Secure
For any online account, including Amazon, you need to make sure you have security protocols in place. First, make sure you have a password containing 12+ random characters that’s unguessable. Along with this, you should add two-step verification onto your account. This will require the account user to enter a code along with the password on devices that aren’t trusted.
Delete Your Alexa Recordings
- Step 1: Go To https://www.amazon.com/alexaprivacysettings to enable voice deletion of conversations. You can also go to Settings → Alexa Account → Alexa Privacy → Review Voice History in your Alexa app.
- Step #2: Say “Alexa, delete everything I said today.”
Opt-Out Of Sharing Your Alexa Data With Amazon
If you don’t want your Alexa sharing any of your data or conversations with Amazon, there is a setting available for you to opt-out of this.
- Online:
- Visit https://www.amazon.com/alexaprivacysettings
- Click on Manage How Your Data Improves Alexa
- Make sure the toggle button next to Help Improve Amazon Services and Develop New Features isn’t blue (aka turned off).
- Through The Alexa App:
- Open your Alexa app and go to Settings.
- Tap on Alexa Privacy → Manage How Your Data Improves Alexa.
- Turn off by hitting the toggle button next to Help Improve Amazon Services and Develop New Features.
Turn Off Your Echo’s Microphone
To avoid your Echo recording you at all, you can simply turn off your device’s microphone. You can do this by touching the microphone button on top of your Echo device. Once it’s red, it means the microphone is off. However, this will also prevent you from giving Alexa commands to follow.
Change Your Wake Word
One of the most common reasons why Alexa accidentally records people is because they use their wake word in regular conversation. If this is happening to you, then changing your wake word may be a good idea.
- Open your Alexa app.
- Click on the menu → Settings → Device Settings.
- Select your Echo device.
- Go to where it says Wake Word and select your wake word. You will likely be able to choose from Alexa, Amazon, Echo, or Computer.
Use A Private and Secure Home Wi-Fi Network
When it comes to any smart home technology, hackers are often able to gain access to these devices through a home’s Wi-Fi network by exploiting its vulnerabilities. First and foremost, make sure you have your own, private Wi-Fi network. Never borrow Wi-Fi from your neighbors or use your TV provider’s internet service. All home networks come with a default password that should be changed immediately. Change your password to something that is 12+ characters long and contains numbers, letters, and symbols. By doing these two things, your home network will be less likely to be hacked.
If you have an Echo or another Alexa compatible device, make sure to take these precautions. Your personal information and data are precious commodities that should belong to you, and you alone.
