Are your devices listening to you?

[Winter Soldier]

Increasingly we’re surrounded by devices that have microphones. Not just our computers and smartphones, but smart home devices like Alexa and Echo and even our TVs.

The problem is these mics are not just accepting commands, they’re listening to what’s going on in the background too.

Panda Security has put together an infographic that looks at what devices might be listening in to our conversations and what steps we can take to protect ourselves.

Among its findings are that 88 percent of Americans say it’s important that they not have someone watch or listen to them without their permission, and 65 percent say it’s important to know what information is being collected. Yet despite these fears, demand for voice-first devices (like Alexa or Echo) is expected to grow from 6.5 million in 2016 to nearly 25 million this year.

To protect yourself it’s recommended that you use privacy menus to limit microphone access and activate the mute function when you’re not actively using the device.

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[frogboy]

We're all safe here no smart devices as of this time have been purchased, not even a phone. Mic on PC's is disabled so we should be safe. I even read where smart light globes can spy on you. Don't look now but the LED light fixtures are spying on you

 

[Arequire]

Think of the horrors my government could inflict with a recording of me singing my favourite Angels & Airwaves song.

 

[Deletedmessiah]

Some smartphones and a laptop are the only smart tech I have. No plan to get any smart home things or even a smart TV anytime soon.

 

[Winter Soldier]

We're all safe here no smart devices as of this time have been purchased, not even a phone. Mic on PC's is disabled so we should be safe. I even read where smart light globes can spy on you. Don't look now but the LED light fixtures are spying on you

Also I think ZAL should protect against these threats at least on PC, here from Majorgeeks:

"Instead of identifying malware based on its signature fingerprint, like all malware products with scan functionality, the AntiLogger catches malware at the moment it attacks your computer. It will then prompt you if an illegal program is trying to record your keystrokes, capture your screen, gain access to your clipboard, microphone, and webcam, or inject itself into your computer’s sensitive areas."

Download Zemana AntiLogger - MajorGeeks

 

[frogboy]

Also I think ZAL should protect against these threats at least on PC, here from Majorgeeks:

"Instead of identifying malware based on its signature fingerprint, like all malware products with scan functionality, the AntiLogger catches malware at the moment it attacks your computer. It will then prompt you if an illegal program is trying to record your keystrokes, capture your screen, gain access to your clipboard, microphone, and webcam, or inject itself into your computer’s sensitive areas."

Download Zemana AntiLogger - MajorGeeks

I have it here on all my machines so i should be good to go. Cheers.

 

[Winter Soldier]

Think of the horrors my government could inflict with a recording of me singing my favourite Angels & Airwaves song.

Or maybe this could be a good opportunity to get into the music jet set

 

[jamescv7]

Well this is no longer a conspiracy but the fact which can happen everywhere, of course it will not disclose some information for the sake of surveillance.

So all you need to do is remain vigilant and check for adjustment of settings regularly however we have no choice but to trust.

 

[Weebarra]

We're all safe here no smart devices as of this time have been purchased, not even a phone. Mic on PC's is disabled so we should be safe. I even read where smart light globes can spy on you. Don't look now but the LED light fixtures are spying on you

Likewise, thankfully !!!

 

[Entreri]

Absolutely.

My laptop, I disable the microphone driver.

 

[ElectricSheep]

Only got phone and lappy here - they not going to hear much either, apart from booze pouring into a glass

 

[Deletedmessiah]

Only got phone and lappy here - they not going to hear much either, apart from booze pouring into a glass

booze pouring into grass you mean.

 

[Deleted member 178]

I know my PC is listening ! when i say "hey Cortana " she answer !!!!

What ? it is not the meaning of the thread? oh really?