How to protect your privacy from savvy hackers

Consumer Reports is warning people about the use of connected devices.

A recent report released, said more and more people are using connected devices during daily tasks, but they are also putting themselves at risk for being hacked or viewed by strangers on the Internet.

Recently, Consumer Reports found a website that is dedicated to streaming cameras that are not password protected.

“An unprotected camera is worse than no camera at all. You need to protect it with a password. And that goes for any device out there that collects personal information about you,” said Glenn Derene with Consumer Reports.

There are several connected devices that collect your personal information and send it over the Internet. For example, activity trackers know how much you move and could even know your location using GPS, and smart thermostats know when you are home and when you are not. With that information, a burglar could know when you leave the house. While Consumer Reports did not find any evidence that criminals are using that kind of data, they said you can reduce the amount of information that others are collecting from you.

If you do not plan to use the connected features on a product, buy the non-connected version. Or do not set-up the connection if you do not use it. Consumer Reports also recommended turning off connected devices when you are not using them. If they are not live, they are not sending out your data.

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