If You Are Using Amazon Doorbell Devices, Please Change Your Wi-Fi Password
If you are using one of the Amazon Ring doorbell devices, you should change your home Wi-Fi password immediately. According to Techcrunch , Ring doorbell devices exchanged clear text Wi-Fi passwords – essentially unencrypted text data – with users’ smartphones during setup. This makes home networks and any devices connected to them vulnerable to being exploited by hackers or anyone else nearby who knows how to collect such data.
Amazon quietly fixed the issue a few weeks ago, but is only now notifying its users and the general public, so there is at least the possibility that your Wi-Fi password has been compromised. Ring users should change their home Wi-Fi passwords to prevent any unwanted network use or access to your devices and personal data stored on them. The exact procedure for doing this depends on your router model and ISP, but searching the Internet for instructions should be easy.
However, changing your password is just the beginning; I also suggest taking some time to consider whether Amazon smart home products are worth the security concerns. It seems like every few months we hear that the company’s smart speakers , home security products , or even Alexa itself may mishandle – even leaks – your personal information.
This does not mean that Amazon is the only company that deserves such close attention, but it seems that their products are used more often than, say, similar devices from Google , and, of course, more than Apple . These Amazon-owned products tend to erode their users’ trust , and there are important considerations to keep in mind if you want to keep your data safe while your home is adorned with Ring doorbells, security cameras, Fire TV and / or Alexa. speakers.