Privacy and local control
Updated
Keep your smart home working when the internet is down and your data at home: local protocols, privacy settings and network separation.
“Local control” means your devices talk to a hub in your home instead of a server elsewhere. It makes automations faster, keeps them working during internet outages and limits the data that leaves your home. Matter, Thread, Zigbee, Z-Wave and Home Assistant all support local control to different degrees.
Privacy also depends on settings: voice recording history, smart TV viewing data, camera placement and account security. Follow the FTC’s basics first: unique passwords, two-factor authentication and regular updates.
Compare local-friendly protocols in Matter vs Zigbee.
Kits 1
Guides 14
GuideAre smart locks safe? What the real risks areA smart lock is as strong as its bolt, its cylinder, your door frame and your account password. Here are the real risks, from forced entry to…GuideDoes your smart home work without internet?Some devices keep running when your internet drops and some stop at once. See what works locally with Matter, Zigbee, Home Assistant and Apple…GuidePutting smart devices on a separate networkA guest or IoT network keeps cheap cameras, TVs and gadgets away from your computers, but it can break local control. Here is when to split, how,…GuideSmart speaker privacy settings to changeSmart speakers keep a history of what you say unless you tell them not to. Here are the settings to review on Alexa, Google Home and Siri, and how…GuideTurn off smart TV tracking (ACR)Many smart TVs use automatic content recognition to log what is on your screen and sell the data to advertisers. Here is what ACR is and how to…GuideThe U.S. Cyber Trust Mark explainedThe Cyber Trust Mark is a voluntary FCC label for smart devices. Its rollout has changed hands, so here is what we can confirm, what to check on…GuideAmazon Sidewalk explained: should you turn it off?Amazon Sidewalk lets some Echo and Ring devices share a small slice of your internet with neighbors. Here is how it works, what it costs you, and…GuideIndoor cameras and privacy at homeAn indoor camera watches your home, and sometimes the people in it. Here are the settings, room choices and consent rules that keep it from…GuideMoving out: what to do with your smart home devicesMoving? Remove your accounts, reset what stays, delete codes and decide what you take. This checklist covers locks, cameras, doorbells,…GuideShare smart home access with family and guestsGive each person their own account and the smallest role that works. Here is how Apple Home, Google Home and Alexa handle family, guests and kids,…GuideHow to secure a Wi-Fi baby monitor or nursery cameraA baby camera is an internet-connected device in your child’s room. Lock down the account, the network and the sharing settings with this…GuideRobot vacuum cameras and privacy: settings to checkSome robot vacuums use cameras to avoid obstacles. Before you enable one, learn what the images are used for, where they go and which settings and…GuideHome Assistant remote access, done safelyYou can reach Home Assistant from anywhere with a paid cloud link, a VPN or a tunnel. Here is how each works, what it costs and why simply opening…GuideLocal voice control without the cloudA local voice assistant keeps your commands at home, but it needs more setup than a smart speaker and understands fewer phrases. Here is how it…
Comparisons 3
ComparisonLidar vs camera robot vacuums: how each one navigatesLidar maps a room with a laser; camera-based robots map with images. They differ in darkness, obstacle recognition and privacy. See what each…ComparisonLocal or cloud storage for security camera video?Where the video goes decides what you pay each month, what survives a theft and who can see your footage. Compare microSD, hub and NVR storage…ComparisonCloud-connected vs local-control smart home devicesA cloud-connected device asks a company’s server to turn on your light; a local one talks to your hub or phone at home. Compare outages, privacy,…