FBI Warns of New Smart Speaker Surveillance Tactic—What You Need to Know
- The FBI has issued an alert about a surge in tech scams where criminals hack into smart speakers to eavesdrop on private conversations, using recorded data for blackmail or identity theft.
- Experts say this threat targets popular devices like Amazon Echo and Google Nest, with a reported 40% spike in related complaints this year alone, affecting both homes and businesses.
- To protect yourself, the FBI advises disabling voice purchasing, using strong passwords with two-factor authentication, and regularly reviewing device permissions for unknown apps.
- The agency recommends physically muting your smart speaker's microphone when not in use, especially during sensitive discussions, to block any remote access attempts.
- If you suspect a breach, immediately reset your device to factory settings, change your Wi-Fi password, and report the incident to your local FBI field office or IC3.gov.