There are so many ‘smart’ gadgets on the market now that can track your every move! We just learned about the ‘smart’ shoes that track your steps and keep a record of where you are at any given time. There’s also the new sunglasses that connect to your bank account and allow you to pay for items at the store. And now we’re supposed to watch out for our microwaves spying on us too??
If the thought of your stuff watching you freaks you out, here are four ways to deal with gadgets that really CAN spy on you . . .
1. Put tape over your computer camera. You’ll feel like a conspiracy theorist, but it makes it impossible for hackers to use it. You can also disable your mic. Some people even crack open their laptop and REMOVE the microphone.
2. Don’t let every phone app track your location. Some of them don’t have the same level of security as things like Facebook and Google Maps. So they might be easier to hack into. You can change your tracking preferences in your settings.
3. Update your phone’s software. Hackers are constantly creating fresh viruses, and finding new ways to hack into stuff. A lot of those software updates include security fixes that make it harder.
4. Turn off your phone’s voice-recognition feature. Newer phones have a “hands free” option, so you don’t have to push the button to ask a question. Like with new iPhones, you can just say “Hey Siri,” and she’ll respond.
Meaning she’s always listening in, waiting for you to say it. Which could make it easier for hackers to listen in. Google Home and Amazon Echos do it too. But they both have a mute button that lets you turn the microphone on and off.
