The Privacy Paranoia Checklist: Stop Your House From Spying

The Golden Rule

Cameras belong outside. Sensors belong inside.

I see so many people putting Wi-Fi cameras in their living rooms and hallways. Unless you are monitoring a puppy, this is a massive privacy risk. Even "secure" videos are often stored in the cloud.

The "Safe Inside" Protocol

If you need to know if someone is inside your house, use motion sensors, not cameras.

1. Motion Detectors: They tell you if someone is moving without recording a video of you walking around in a towel.
2. Contact Sensors: Put them on every door and window. They are binary: Open or Closed. Zero privacy risk.
3. Glass Break Sensors: These listen for the specific frequency of shattering glass.

Physical Shutters are King

If you must have a camera inside (e.g., a baby monitor), ensure it has a physical privacy shutter.

Software "off" switches can be bugged or hacked. A piece of plastic covering the lens cannot be hacked.

Voice Assistants: The Mute Button

Do you have Alexa or Google Home devices?

• Check your history: You'd be shocked how often they trigger accidentally.
• The Mute Switch: Most devices have a hardware mute switch (usually turns the light red). Use it when you aren't actively using the device.

Conclusion

Security is about protecting your home from the outside world. Privacy is about protecting your home from the tech companies. You need to balance both.