Criminals using Wi-Fi jammers: Police caught an international crime ring staking out marks’ homes. Once the victims left, they used Wi-Fi jammers to disable the house’s Wi-Fi and security systems to rob them. A Chilean gang tried to do the same thing to me, and the Phoenix SWAT team even stormed my house! Worth the watch, promise.
Here's what Amazon knows about you when you use a Ring doorbell
When you want to protect your home, you look for security systems that warn when people are on your property, record footage you can access at any time and can sound an alarm that scares off any would-be burglars.
Alarm systems should have your protection at heart. The information your alarm company accesses should be used for that purpose and that purpose only.
Our sponsor, SimpliSafe, offers the safety you want at a price you can afford. And what does it do with your private information? Protect it behind layers of security. Can the same be said for the data Amazon collects when you use a Ring doorbell?
What does Ring know about you?
Amazon is well-known for its affordable prices and fast shipping. Its Ring doorbells are popular security systems that collect information about everything within earshot — including your private conversations and activities.
When you use Amazon’s Ring doorbell, you must sign in using your name, email, physical address and phone number. If you log in with your Facebook account or another third-party login, Ring’s parent company, Amazon, also collects information from that third party.
Amazon’s Ring Privacy Policy explains the information you use from third-party services like Facebook and PayPal is collected. What info exactly, and what is it used for?
The policy states:
When you interact with our products and services, we obtain certain information by automated means … We may use these automated technologies to collect information about your equipment, browsing actions, and usage patterns.
Why does Amazon want your browsing actions? Because it is an advertising and e-commerce company. The data it collects is shared with “service providers,” some of which are marketing companies.
You may notice targeted emails concerning items you’ve searched for online or maybe talked about within earshot of your Ring doorbell and other Amazon products. How does that make you feel?
What does SimpliSafe know about you?
Anti-theft software patch available for 8 million Hyundai and Kia models
Viral TikTok videos have shown vulnerabilities in millions of Hyundai and Kia vehicles that have led to many thefts. Several models were sold missing critical anti-theft software. That made it easy for thieves to steal those cars without needing a key. A software patch is finally rolling out to help stop auto thefts.
It's come to this - a charger that keeps your phone from listening
If you’re not sure if your devices are always listening, we’ll help you out. They are. Your smartphone, smart assistants/speakers, smart home devices and smart TVs listen for wake words or other vocal cues. Big Tech companies also listen to you through your devices.
Is banking on your phone safe? 6 ways to make sure you're not scammed
Banking on your phone opens up a whole new world of convenience — as well as a new world of risks. Nowadays, you don’t have to drive down to your local bank branch to make a deposit. Instead, you can bank from the comfort of your home.
If you have one of these security cameras, turn it off now
Security cameras in your home are a great way to keep track of what is going on around you. Some allow you to check-in with mobile devices through various functions — providing a live feed of any activity. Tap or click here for five uses for security cameras you never thought of before now.