Shocking amount of spy gadgets at this year's big tech show
With CES 2020 now underway, attendees in Las Vegas will have the chance to see some of the world’s latest tech and gadgets in action. From TVs to robots, there’s something for everyone at the year’s biggest technology expo.
But one kind of technology is making a bigger impact this year than many expected: surveillance tech. We already have cameras in many of our gadgets, and now manufacturers are attempting to leverage this technology in new ways for consumers. Tap or click to see 4 types of spy cameras that could be watching you.
Although much of the spy gadgets on display at CES aren’t showcasing new technology, the smaller form factors and IoT integration have many concerned. Are we entering an age where privacy finally slips away from the public? See for yourself with our latest sneak peek at CES 2020.
Cameras. Cameras everywhere.
Attendees at CES 2020 were treated to waves of new gadgets and devices throughout the halls of the convention. But no other tech on the floor has a greater potential impact on society than surveillance devices.
Mostly scattered throughout the smart home and smart city showrooms of the massive event, these devices give users even more ways to monitor their properties. Unfortunately, many of these internet-enabled gadgets provide companies with new tools to spy or collect data on users.
A sign of the times
While many of these devices provide useful security and recreational features, some industry insiders believe the sheer amount of surveillance tech at the convention is an ominous sign.
Aside from consumer pushback against some surveillance tech like facial recognition being used by world governments, a number of high-profile data incidents have led to increased skepticism about the long term effects of storing private information obtained by security systems.
Cindy Cohn, executive director of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, spoke at a CES panel. She explained many manufacturers primarily focus on the money — and there’s plenty to be made in the world of smart home surveillance.
Many, many horrible stories have come out of consumer electronics.”
Cindy Cohn
Dozens of mysterious drones swarm same area every night
Technology touches most facets of life these days. From making everyday home appliances “smart” to robot vacuum cleaners handling tedious chores, tech has definitely made things better.
It’s even changing the world of toys. Instead of children finding a boring old doll under the Christmas tree, there’s a good chance they received something more exciting like a drone. You just need to be careful which drone you gift. Tap or click here to find out how some Chinese-built drones could be spying on you.
How to detect hidden cameras in Vrbo, Airbnb and vacation rentals
You’re not paranoid — you are being watched. Facial-recognition cameras, store surveillance cameras, traffic cameras and more are all watching all the time.
Adding to the creep factor is the number of cases where cameras have been found in Vrbos, Airbnbs and other vacation rentals. Tap or click here for an Airbnb scam warning.
Warning: These security cameras could let strangers see inside your home
Security cameras, for better or worse, are now a normal part of our daily lives. Even if they’re not expressly designed for surveillance, the cameras in nearly all of our smart devices can be exploited to this end. All it takes is just a little know-how.
3 settings you must change on your Ring video doorbell
Unlike traditional doorbells that require you to squint through a dime-sized peephole, glance out a window or open the door without knowing who is on the other side, Ring provides you a clear view of who’s visiting.
Smart home gadget leads to intruder scare
If you are like most consumers, you find replacing outdated items with a newer version is usually a good thing. This is especially true with technology. As tech evolves, everyday chores like sweeping the floor with a broom are either reduced or eliminated entirely from your task list.
Smart home gadget leads to intruder scare
If you are like most consumers, you find replacing outdated items with a newer version is usually a good thing. This is especially true with technology. As tech evolves, everyday chores like sweeping the floor with a broom are either reduced or eliminated entirely from your task list.
What you need to know about the FAA's plan to track most drones in the U.S.
Can you imagine the government wanting to keep tabs on the toys you played with when you were a kid? The idea of tracking your Transformers or Cabbage Patch Kids seems a little ridiculous.
The thing is, technology has come along way since Cabbage Patch Kids were all the rage, and some toys can be dangerous. For example, earlier this year DHS warned that some Chinese-built drones could be spying on us. Tap or click here to learn all about it.
Adjust these settings on the Google Nest Hello video doorbell
While traditional doorbells are sufficient at letting you know when someone is at your door, newer video doorbells, such as the Google Nest Hello, provide a real-time view of who is outside your home.
This additional security measure allows you to rest easy. It also gives you peace of mind whether you’re home or away. Tap or click here to learn how Nest Hello will let you know when your package has arrived.
Is your partner cheating? Look for these digital clues
Fitness trackers serve a variety of useful purposes. You can track calories, count steps and monitor your heart rate while exercising — all from a small, wrist-mounted device that goes wherever you do.
Sometimes fitness trackers can even save a person’s life. Thanks to EKG technology and fall detection, devices like the Apple Watch have helped vulnerable users prevent and recover from serious heart conditions and accidents. Tap or click to learn how an Apple Watch saved a man’s life.
5 must-have features for home security
Throwing up a sign that reads, “Warning! Beware of dog!” isn’t strong enough security for your home. You actually need a system that will protect your most prized possessions, whether you’re home or away.
Every good security system watches your windows and doors, but you need more. Disasters like freezes, floods and fires could cost your home. We recommend our sponsor, SimpliSafe. If you’re thinking about home security, there is no better time, because SimpliSafe Home Security is offering my listeners their best deal of the year!
FBI warning: 5 things you must do to protect your home from hackers
Smart home gadgets have become insanely popular in recent years — and it’s easy to see why. They make our lives easier and let us interact with our tech in ways we never thought possible.
But Internet of Things (IoT) devices have a weakness that’s concerning some privacy advocates. Since each gadget has an internet connection, these devices can act as gateways for hackers to attack home networks, and most IoT devices aren’t secure enough. Tap or click to see 5 smart gadgets that can keep your home safe.
Your home address could be exposed through video doorbell app, report says
Ring doorbells have been a hit gift this past year, and are among the items Amazon chose to promote during the company’s highly anticipated Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.
People love the idea of having secure video feeds of their homes delivered right to their phone, and the collaborative effort of multiple Ring users logged into the Neighbors app can make neighborhoods feel safer and more secure. But is all this security coming at a cost to our privacy? Tap or click to protect your privacy on social media.
5 ways to stop porch pirates from stealing your holiday gift deliveries
If you decided to skip fighting the crowds this Black Friday, you’re not alone. According to RetailNext, store visits over the weekend dropped 4.2% from last year.
But that doesn’t mean people didn’t shop. Many chose to take advantage of Cyber Monday and do their Christmas shopping from the comfort of their own homes. Adobe said U.S. shoppers spent a total of $9.4 billion in online sales on Cyber Monday.
Electronics left in your car aren't safe from thieves, even if you hide them
Car thieves have been around forever, and used to just smash out a window to steal vehicles of choice. Unfortunately, they have been able to up their game recently and have gone high-tech. Tap or click here to see how hackers are now stealing keyless cars.
Hackers can hijack your smart home tech using just a laser pointer
Did you know cybercriminals can speak to you through smart speakers, turn off lights or even mess with your thermostat? But those are small pranks. Imagine the damage hackers could do if they could disable smart locks or garage door openers.
This high-tech device is the smartest way to protect your home
With the alarming rise of preventable home break-ins caused by unlocked entry points — it’s important to always secure your front door.
Google exec: Warn your guests they're being recorded if you have a smart speaker
We all know that many of our virtual assistants and related devices are constantly listening and recording us. Here’s the unexpected part; a Google executive is not only admitting to that, but he also says people who own such devices should warn their guests that they are being recorded. He adds that he warns his guests.
5 credit card theft hot spots that put you at risk
Credit cards have long had one big benefit, which is to save us from having to carry around wads of cash all the time. That’s why using them makes shopping easier and safer — or does it?
Despite card issuers pushing new security measures every year, credit card theft is still a rampant crime. Usually these thefts are enabled by cybercrime, phishing and fraud. And today, there are more gadgets and software than ever to help the bad guys claim your info.
Can your employer see everything you do on your devices?
Do you receive phone calls from family or friends while you are at the office? Ever surf the web while on the job? If so, you better think twice. Because chances are during working hours all of your activities, including personal, are being monitored. Whether it be your email, phone calls, or website behavior, your employer could be keeping a very close eye on you.