In today’s connected world, voice assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant have become everyday helpers—whether you’re setting reminders, controlling lights, or asking for the weather before heading out to your favorite Pittsburgh park. But while these devices offer convenience, they can also overhear more than you bargained for if privacy settings aren’t properly managed.

Here’s how to stay smart about your smart assistant:

Know Your Wake Words
Devices activate when they hear specific prompts like “Alexa” or “Hey Siri.” Get familiar with how your assistant turns on—and just as importantly, how to turn it off.

Manage What Gets Shared
By default, many assistants send recordings to the company for quality checks. Head into your device settings and opt out of data sharing when possible.

Tidy Up Old Recordings
Look for options to delete stored voice data manually or set up automatic deletion for added peace of mind.

Stay Updated
Keep an eye on privacy policy changes—manufacturers often update how data is collected and used.

Personalize Safely
If multiple people use the assistant, consider setting up individual accounts protected by strong passwords or passcodes.

Secure Your Shopping
Love voice ordering? Great—just remember to turn it off once your shopping’s done to avoid accidental purchases.

Strengthen Your Password Game
Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Longer passwords = stronger protection. Add multi-factor authentication where you can.

Safeguard Your Home Network
Take steps to secure your router—setting up a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a great start.

Ultimately, smart tech should make life easier—not more complicated. By layering in a few simple precautions, you’ll enjoy all the benefits without compromising your privacy. So go ahead, use that assistant to help plan your next open house or whip up pierogi—but maybe save sensitive chats for after the device takes a break.