As it relates to security and privacy concerns, what do you guys recommend to keep in mind when setting up a smartHome?
I was envisioning setting my home with Alexa Echo Dots in each room having Belkin Wemo light switches in each outlet and various smart plugs on every other device that plugs into the wall as needed. I also plan using a Smart Tv and Apple TV to stream all Video and audio content
@FluhartyML If you want privacy, use Apple to manage the home. Your AppleTV will do this. They’re the only company I’d trust. For security, make sure your firewall/ router does not have uPnP turned on, and do NOT forward any ports to any IoT things. Consider making an entirely separate subnet and firewalling it off for the IoT devices. Or if you don’t have advanced networking in your house, use the three dumb routers solution:
https://pcper.com/2016/08/steve-gibsons-three-router-solution-to-iot-insecurity/ .
@digicana @FluhartyML definitely go with HomeKit on this if you want a good, commercial solution. Ideally wait until this fall when HomeKit routers release that will firewall all your IoT devices from the internet automatically.
Do not go with Alexa or Google Home. If you don't want to go with Apple you can look into FOSS solutions like OpenHAB or hass.io.
@FluhartyML @jonah Yeah -- the thing is, it's all about what you prioritize. If you're cool with the privacy tradeoff that comes with Amazon devices (and no shame if you are!) then they're great. If you're not, then you probably shouldn't use their always-on listening devices.
@FluhartyML @jonah You also have to understand that for things to be really secure either you have to have a really competent developer with a walled garden or a really knowledgeable end user. Apple assume users are dumb, and so their walled garden is the result (it’s good for their bottom line too). But if you do drink their Kool-Aid, you’ll get much more secure setups than most other out of the box stuff.
@FluhartyML there's a reason they're affordable, they're serving advertisements with your data and encouraging vendor lock-in which will make you buy more Amazon things lol
@jonah this is why i gave up facebook i guess you just have to weigh its usefulness-v/s- personal privacy.
@FluhartyML honestly having used Google Assistant and Alexa, they aren't even amazingly convenient lol — you still have to phrase things in a particular way and it isn't much faster than just using a remote app on your phone or tablet really.
@jonah yesI agree with you, having to speak in a deliberate certain way sometimes can be annoying. Alexas way of allowing you to install apps makes alexa more flexible powerful and convenient. If your sitting on the throne and smell something foul you can summon alexa to turn on the vent because your phone is out of reach. I prefer using one wake word over two like with google, ok google, and siri’s hey siri.
I have hey siri turned off on all devices except the home pod
@FluhartyML @jonah Because Amazon hasn’t shown nearly the amount of concern for privacy that Apple has. They’re cheap because you’re the product.