Over the past few years, Internet of Things (IoT) devices have entered into the mainstream. The most popular IoT devices are smart speaker systems. Smart speaker systems consist of wireless voice command devices with integrated virtual assistants. Out of the smart speakers available to the public, the Amazon Echo and its voice-controlled intelligent personal assistant service Alexa is the most highly rated. While easy-to-use, Amazon Echo and Alexa privacy concerns have many users worried.

amazon alexa privacy concerns

Smart Speakers Security Concerns

A smart speaker system like Amazon Echo is hands-free and voice-controlled. Uttering the magic word “Alexa” awakens the Echo speaker, allowing users to listen to music, make phone calls, send e-mails, check the weather, and much more.

Due to the fact that the Echo is voice-controlled, the Alexa system is in “listening” mode at all times. Many Alexa users believe that the Amazon Echo is recording every word it hears. However, that is not the case. Instead, Alexa is on the lookout for a wake word, set to “Alexa” by default. Once the Amazon smart speaker hears the wake word it records the commands it hears, analyzes the voice input, and sends back a response to the user. In most cases, this process happens in the span of a second.

While Alexa may not be listening at all times, Alexa privacy concerns are valid. For example, if someone hacked an Amazon Echo, it could open the door to illegal eavesdropping. While hackers have yet to hack into an Amazon Echo and record users at all times, it is a possibility. And, even if hackers were able to access only voice commands, it is still an unwelcome thought.

How Can I Protect My Network When Using Alexa?

Taking advantage of a Virtual Private Network is the best way to ensure smart speaker security and prevent Alexa spying.

What Is the Best VPN for Amazon Alexa?

$3.19
PER MONTH
SIGN UP HERE!
  • Access 5000+ servers worldwide
  • No logs policy
$4.99
PER MONTH
SIGN UP HERE!
  • 1700+ Servers across 60+ countries
  • Integrates with the Tor anonymity network
$3.99
PER MONTH
SIGN UP HERE!
  • 1,500+ VPN servers in 75+ locations
  • Owns and operates its own servers
$2.29
PER MONTH
SIGN UP HERE!
  • Servers in 70+ countries
  • Port Forwarding, DDoS protection, and Dedicated IP Available as Add-ons
$2.21
PER MONTH
SIGN UP HERE!
  • Access streaming content from around the world
  • Operates 3000+ Servers in 60+ Countries
$2.03
PER MONTH
SIGN UP HERE!
  • Servers in 70+ Countries
  • Utilizes High-Grade Encryption

Unsure which VPN provider is best for you? Send us a message.

Alleviate Alexa Privacy Concerns with a VPN Router

A Virtual Private Network encrypts connections by tunneling user traffic through a remote server and back. For example, any prying eyes, such as a snooping Internet Service Provider, will be able to see the VPN tunnel, but none of the traffic moving through it.

In order to use a smart speaker system like Amazon Echo through a VPN, you will have to use an Open Source router. Smart speaker systems do not have native VPN support. However, connecting to an Open Source VPN-ready router will encrypt all devices on the network, including Amazon Echo.

Routers with factory firmware are frequently full of bugs and hacker-ready backdoors. Flashing a router with Open Source DD-WRT firmware eliminates these bugs and allows for a slew of previously unavailable feature sets, like the ability to use the device as a connection to a VPN server.

What Is the Best FlashRouter for Amazon Alexa?

NordLynx WiFi 6 Router – Privacy Hero

Privacy Hero 2 - Nordlynx Wireguard Supported VPN Router
$179.99
$249.99
BUY NOW
  • Perfect for Medium Homes
  • Perfect for 20-30 Devices

AX3000 WiFi 6 VPN FlashRouter

AX3000 WiFi 6 VPN FlashRouter
$129.99
$149.99
BUY NOW
  • Perfect for Medium Homes
  • Perfect for 20-30 Devices

Asus RT-BE88U WiFi 7 Merlin FlashRouter

Asus WiFi 7 BE88U VPN Router
$469.99
$599.99
BUY NOW
  • Upgraded with Custom Merlin Firmware.
  • Next Gen WiFI 7 Update of Asus favorite model.

Optimize Streaming with the FR Privacy App

Streamers can manage their VPN-configured router connection with the new FlashRouters VPN Privacy App. The FR Privacy App is an easy, free, and user-friendly way to access and configure your wireless network. Our app runs directly from any Internet browser on desktop or mobile devices.

This allows for easy tweaking and VPN configuration, including but not limited to:

      • Easy device management.
      • Seamless VPN server switching.
      • Optimized UI on any browser or mobile phone.
      • Kill switch and VPN bypass by device.

Want better support for your entire network? The FlashRouters Privacy App is here to help.

Have any other questions? Feel free to contact us.Â