AMAZON’S Alexa devices are dotted around millions of homes worldwide.
But many folks could be keeping their Amazon Echo and Dot gadgets in risky positions.
1
Steer clear of windows
Experts say you should keep your Amazon Echo speakers away from all the windows in your house.
It can give crooks easy access to the speaker and all its connected devices.
For example, if your car is connected to your smart speaker, someone may be able to unlock and start it, reported.
An attacker may also be able to transfer money from your bank account to theirs via the Alexa PayPal skill – if they manage to guess your four-digit pin correctly, according to The Times.
Under your TV
Storing your Alexa under the TV is also a no-go, if you want to limit how often the gadget tunes into your conversations.
If the device hears “Alexa” – or even just similar sounding names and commands – it can be activated unnecessarily.
Not only could this interrupt the film you’re watching, but it also starts recording what’s said directly after the command.
So, if you’re having a private conversation in that moment, your privacy might be at risk.
Therefore, putting it on a side table or bookshelf makes more sense.
Near a space heater
As with any tech gadget, your Alexa shouldn’t be exposed to heat sources, according to Amazon.
That includes space heaters, heater vents, radiators, open fires or stoves.
At best, heat will slow the gadget down. And at worst, could potentially cause a fire or damage to your Echo.
In the bedroom
All Alexa gadgets should be kept out of private spaces, like the bedroom and bathroom, experts have cautioned.
Amazon says that Alexa will only record speech after the wake word, “Alexa,” is said.
Unless the device is triggered accidentally.
Amazon says a small number of conversations are reviewed by staff, for the purposes of improving the device’s understanding of human speech.
But you still might not want your bedroom talk to be included in these reviews.
Instead, it’s best to leave your Alexa in spaces where you’d be more likely to host guests, such as the living room or kitchen.
Dr Hannah Fry, a mathematician and expert on tech company algorithms at University College London, said: “I think there are some spaces in your home, like the bedroom and bathroom, which should remain completely private.
“This technology is activated by a trigger word but it keeps recording for a short period afterwards.
“People accept that, but we should all spend more time thinking about what it means for us.”
What is Alexa?
If you’ve never heard of Alexa, here’s what you need to know…
- Alexa is an “intelligent” personal assistant built by Amazon.
- You can find her on several different devices, including Amazon’s Echo speakers.
- Alexa responds to voice commands, and can talk back to you.
- She can perform thousands of different tasks, including telling you about the news or weather.
- But she can do more complex things too, like ordering a pizza or arranging an Uber taxi pick-up.
- To activate Alexa, you need to say “Alexa” to an Amazon Echo speaker.
- Because she’s powered by artificial intelligence, Alexa is constantly getting smarter.
- Alexa will also get more used to your voice, and better understand what you want her to do over time.
