GoKawiilSecurity expert shares ten privacy fixes for smart home devices
A veteran smart-home tester outlines ten practical adjustments homeowners can make to limit data collection from cameras, speakers and displays, including physically closing camera shutters and muting microphones when not in use. The piece also cites cybersecurity attorney Laurie Selkowitz, who warns that many users fail to disable opt-in data-sharing settings on devices like Ring cameras.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
As more homes fill with internet-connected cameras and microphones, the default settings on these devices often favor data collection over user privacy. Simple manual habits, rather than expensive equipment, can meaningfully reduce exposure to surveillance and third-party data sharing.
- Physical shutters and mute buttons on smart cameras and speakers should be used by default.
- Many smart home devices ship with opt-in data-sharing features enabled that users should manually disable.
- Legal experts note consumers often misunderstand how much control they actually have over their smart devices' data practices.
Amazon Echo Show 8 smart display — The Echo Show 8 is exactly the kind of device the article highlights: it includes a built-in camera shutter and a mic off button so you can physically confirm nobody's watching or listening. It still handles video calls, smart home controls, and recipes when you want it, then closes up when you don't.
See Amazon Echo Show 8 smart display on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: cnet.com — Tyler Lacoma, 2026-09-12
Published there as: “The 10 Privacy Tricks I Use Around My Own Smart Home (and Why You Need Them)”
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