Do you have one of the "smart" speakers in your house?  The ones that you can ask questions of, and make your life "easier".  

I don't.  I don't want one.  I don't have one. And although I say, never say never, I have no plans to ever have those in my house.

Perhaps I am paranoid, but I don't like my personal space being invaded.  I am not afraid of computer technology, video phones, and the like, but I want them to only be listening (i.e. recording) or watching (i.e. video recording or transmitting images), when I say it's ok.  That's one of the reasons I WhiteCoat Risk Management has video shutters available for our computer cameras.  No software can bypass a piece of plastic over the lens of the camera.  

Back to Alexa.

Yes, those smart speakers creep me out.  I don't like the idea of being "listened to" all the time.  And these are everywhere.   So you need to be diligent in shutting off those...

Ring, ring.

No answer.  

That's not a problem, I will just listen in on the other user without their permission.  REALLY? 

Yes, really.  Although by the time you read this, the "facetime bug" will have been fixed, it does highlight some real problems with high complexity technology.  They put your privacy at risk.  Audio and video feed to others without your permission ARE possible.  

The Apple "Facetime bug" Fix

While this current bug is being fixed by Apple, there are two major questions that remain, in regards to your personal privacy.

1. What other bugs are out there that we, the general public, don't know about but others' do?  Others that are looking to exploit those bugs for any number of reasons.

2. If this is possible by a "bug", what is possible when it's programmed in intentionally?  Who has the keys (i.e. knowledge) to use your phone or computers video camera and microphone without your permission?

...

Your smart phone. 

It's become "your life". It can do everything ... store your calendar, send messages, manage your email, map out your trips, entertain you, manage your pictures and videos, feed you news ... and on and on.   

There is SO much of your life on your phone.  Both public ... and private.   

Smartphones and privacy

You wouldn't give people your diary.  Or your calendar. Or your travel plans. Or finances. Or passwords.  But you might be giving others access to these if you keep these items on your smartphone.  

So Happy New Year!  It's time to put an end to some of the worst offenders that hijack, steal, monitor or just look at your public and private information on your smartphone.  

In this article, they provide you with some of the greatest offenders when it comes to your privacy.  And it's a great invitation to delete these from your smartphone and kick them out of your life.

Get These Off...