If your home Wi-Fi is like most, it is packed with connected devices. Smart TVs, phones, tablets, laptops, refrigerators, robot vacuums and security cameras may all be sharing the same network.

The problem is that most people connect a new device first and think about security later. Some never check the settings at all. That gives hackers, data brokers and nosy companies exactly the opening they want.

Before you connect your next smart TV, tablet or phone, take a few minutes to lock it down.

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Why devices aren’t safe enough right out of the box

When a new gadget arrives in your hands, it isn’t a blank slate. It comes loaded with factory settings designed for convenience instead of protection. Manufacturers want the unboxing experience to feel effortless, so they turn on features, like automatic connections, data sharing and remote access, that make setup easy but leave you exposed.

Smart TVs are some of the worst offenders. Many come with a feature called Automatic Content Recognition (ACR), switched on by default. It works like a fingerprint scanner for your screen, capturing information about everything you watch and sending it back to the manufacturer. You agreed to it somewhere in the terms and conditions you blitzed through when you set it up. Most people have no idea it’s even there.

Tablets and phones bring their own risks. Although many hardware manufacturers like to brag about privacy, lots of tablets and phones will share your location, accept connections from nearby devices, and back up your data to the company’s servers – all by default.

Plus, your home network is only as secure as its weakest device. One poorly configured smart TV or old tablet with an out-of-date OS can give attackers a foothold into everything else connected to the same router.

The 4 things to check before you connect

Before you connect any new smart TV, tablet or phone to your home network, take five minutes to check the settings manually. You do not need to be a tech expert. Focus on the areas that create the biggest openings.

Update the device and change default passwords

First, update the device and change any default passwords or PINs. A brand-new device may have been sitting in a warehouse for months, which means it could already need a security update. Default credentials are also easy for attackers to find online.

Review privacy settings and app permissions

Next, review privacy settings. On a smart TV, look for Automatic Content Recognition, or ACR, and turn it off. Depending on the brand, it may be listed under Viewing Data, Live Plus, SyncPlus, Smart TV Experience or privacy settings. On a phone or tablet, check location, camera, microphone and nearby device permissions.

Turn off features you do not use

Then, turn off connectivity features you do not use. Bluetooth, remote access, file sharing and screen mirroring can all create openings when they stay on all the time.

Add a VPN for another layer of privacy

Finally, consider adding a VPN for another layer of privacy. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, which helps protect what your smart TV, phone, tablet or laptop sends over the network. A trusted VPN has apps for many popular devices, and it can also run at the router level on compatible routers.

For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com.

The full checklist below walks you through each step.

New device security checklist

Next time you bring home a smart TV, tablet or phone, do this before you use it every day.

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1) Put smart devices on a guest Wi-Fi network first

Before you connect the device, open your router app or router settings page. Look for Guest Network, IoT Network or Device Isolation. Create a separate Wi-Fi name for TVs, speakers, cameras and smart home gear.

Use WPA3 Personal if your router offers it. If not, use WPA2 Personal. Give this network a strong password you do not use anywhere else. Then connect the new smart TV or tablet to that network instead of the same Wi-Fi your work laptop uses.

2) Update the software before signing in everywhere

Install updates before you add streaming apps, email accounts or payment info.

• iPhone or iPad: Open Settings > General > Software Update > Download and Install. Then tap Automatic Updates and turn on iOS or iPadOS updates.
• Samsung phone or tablet: Open Settings > Software update > Download and install. On some models, go to Settings > System updates. Settings may vary depending on your device’s manufacturer
• Other Android phone or tablet: Open Settings > System > Software update > System update > Check for update. The exact wording can vary by brand.
• Samsung smart TV: Go to Settings > All Settings > Support > Software Update > Update Now. Turn on Auto Update, too.
• LG smart TV: Go to Settings > All Settings > Support > Software Update > Check for Updates. Turn on Auto Update, too.
• Roku TV or Roku device: Press Home > Settings > System > Software update > Check Now.

3) Change default passwords, PINs and device names

Do not leave factory passwords in place. Change the device PIN, parental control PIN or purchase PIN if the setup screen offers one. Use a password manager to create and store strong, unique passwords. Use a long passcode on phones and tablets instead of a 4-digit code. Also, rename the device. A name like “Kurt’s Bedroom TV” tells more than you need to share. Use something generic like “Living Room TV” or “Tablet 1.”

4) Turn on account protection before adding apps

Before you sign in to Apple, Google, Samsung, Amazon or Roku, turn on two-factor authentication where available. For Roku, set a PIN to help block unwanted purchases, subscriptions and app additions.

• Apple: Open Settings > your name > Sign-In & Security > Two-Factor Authentication > follow the onscreen instructions.
• Google: Open your Google Account > Security & sign-in > How you sign in to Google > 2-Step Verification > Turn on 2-Step Verification > follow the onscreen steps.
• Samsung: Open Settings > your Samsung account name > Security and privacy > Two-step verification > follow the prompts.
• Amazon: Open the Amazon app > account icon > Your Account > Login & security > Two-Step Verification > Get Started > follow the prompts.
• Roku: Go to my.roku.com > sign in > Device settings > PIN/Parental controls > choose when a PIN is required for purchases, subscriptions and adding apps > Save.

5) Turn off ACR and ad tracking on smart TVs

Smart TVs often include Automatic Content Recognition, or ACR. It can identify what appears on your screen for ads, analytics or recommendations. Turn it off during setup or immediately after setup.

• Samsung TV: Press Home > Settings > All Settings > General & Privacy > Terms & Privacy or Privacy Choices. Turn off Viewing Information Services. Also review Interest-Based Advertising and Voice Recognition Services.
• LG TV: Press Settings > All Settings > Support > Privacy & Terms. Look for Live Plus, Viewing Information or advertising options and turn off tracking you do not want.
• Roku TV: Press Home > Settings > Privacy > Smart TV Experience. Uncheck Use info from TV inputs. Then go to Advertising and turn on Limit ad tracking.
• Amazon Fire TV: Go to Settings > Preferences > Privacy Settings. Review Device Usage Data, Collect App Usage Data, Interest-Based Ads and Automatic Content Recognition if that option appears.
• Vizio TV: On newer Vizio TVs, go to All Settings > Privacy & Legal > Viewing Data and turn it off. On older models, go to System > Reset & Admin > Viewing Data. Also review Interest-Based Advertising and Voice Recognition Services.

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6) Limit location, camera and microphone access

Phones and tablets often ask for more access than an app needs. Give each app the least access possible.

• iPhone or iPad: Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services. Tap each app and choose Never, Ask Next Time or While Using the App. Then review Camera, Microphone, Bluetooth, Contacts and Photos in the same Privacy & Security menu.
• Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet: Open Settings > Security and privacy > Permission manager. Review Location, Camera, Microphone, Contacts, Nearby devices and Photos and videos. Change apps to Ask every time, Allow only while using the app or Don’t allow when access isn’t needed.

7) Disable wireless features you do not use

Turn off Bluetooth when you do not need it. On phones, tablets and TVs, also look for Nearby Share, Quick Share, AirDrop, file sharing, screen mirroring and remote access.

• iPhone or iPad: Go to Settings > General > AirDrop. Choose Receiving Off or Contacts Only.
• Samsung Galaxy or Android phone: Open Settings and search for Quick Share. Tap Who can share with you, then choose a more private option such as Your devices or Contacts instead of making your phone visible to everyone.
• Smart TV: Open Settings and check Network, Connection or External Device Manager. Turn off remote access, screen sharing or mobile device connection features you do not use.

8) Turn on lost-device protection

Set this up before the device goes missing.

• iPhone or iPad: Open Settings > your name > Find My > Find My iPhone or Find My iPad. Turn on Find My, Find My network and Send Last Location.
• Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet: Open Settings > Security and privacy > Lost device protection. Turn on Allow this phone to be found, Send last location and Offline finding.
• Other Android phone or tablet: Open Settings > Security > Find Hub and make sure Allow device to be located is turned on. The wording may vary by brand.

For tablets used by kids or guests, write down the serial number. Keep it somewhere safe in case you need to report the device lost or stolen.

9) Remove apps you do not need

New devices often come with preinstalled apps. Delete or disable anything you will not use. Then install apps only from the official app store for that device.

On phones and tablets, avoid sideloading apps unless you know exactly where they came from.

On smart TVs, skip random free streaming apps with poor reviews, no clear developer or strange permission prompts.

10) Cover everything with a VPN

A VPN adds a layer of privacy by encrypting your internet traffic before it leaves your device. That can help limit what your internet provider can see and add protection when you use public Wi-Fi.

Look for a trusted VPN that offers apps for phones, tablets, computers and streaming devices. Some VPNs can also run at the router level on compatible routers. That option can be helpful because it may protect devices that do not support a VPN app, such as some smart TVs, game consoles and connected home gadgets.

Once a router VPN is set up, connected devices can receive VPN protection automatically. Just remember that a VPN does not make you invisible online. Websites may still recognize you when you log in, share personal details or use the same browser. Still, for everyday privacy, a reliable VPN can be a smart extra layer.

For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com.

Key takeaways

The default settings most devices ship with are designed for the manufacturer’s benefit, not yours. Before you connect your next smart TV, tablet, or phone, take a few minutes to go through the settings, lock down what doesn’t need to be open, and put a VPN between your network and the rest of the internet.

Have you ever found a privacy setting on a new device that surprised you? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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Discounts on the Nintendo Switch 2 are rare, but they do happen on occasion. There’s one happening now, actually, on the company’s $499.99 console bundle that includes a digital game (Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, or Pokémon Pokopia). Usually, the bundle saves you $20 or $30, depending on the game you choose, but for $449.99 at Amazon, Nintendo is effectively giving a game to you for free.

If you’re considering grabbing a Switch 2, I highly recommend doing so now. The biggest motivator (aside from its great selection of games and near-complete compatibility with original Switch games) is that the console will get a price hike in September, going from $449.99 to $499.99. Also, it’s not clear if it will continue to include a discounted game with purchase at that point. So, you’re getting more value at $449.99 here than ever before.

Humanoid robots have officially stepped up to the operating table, helping complete two surgeries for the first time. During the preclinical trial, surgeons remotely guided the machines through two gallbladder removal procedures. The robots copied the surgeons’ movements rather than making medical decisions, and no human patients were involved.

Unlike bulky robotic systems fixed in place, these five-foot machines used standard surgical tools and worked inside an operating room built for people. The experiment offers an early look at how a specialist could someday operate through a mobile robot in a rural clinic or another place where surgical care is hard to reach. Here is what the team accomplished and what still needs to happen before this technology reaches human patients.

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Reserve your free spot today at CyberGuyLive.com.

Two humanoid robots completed live surgeries

Researchers from the University of California San Diego reported the results in the journal Nature earlier this month. The team tested its system during two laparoscopic gallbladder removal procedures on pigs.

During one operation, a humanoid robot handled surgical instruments while a human surgeon assisted beside it. During the second procedure, two humanoid robots stood next to each other and worked as a team. Surgeons remotely controlled both robots throughout the operation. The experiment involved delicate tasks used during minimally invasive gallbladder surgery. The robots moved tissue and dissected around the gallbladder. They also helped place clips before removing it.

Researchers designed the trial as a proof of concept. They wanted to learn whether a general-purpose humanoid robot could handle standard surgical tools with enough control to complete an operation. It could. However, the trial also exposed problems that researchers must solve before testing the system on humans.

The trial marked the first time teleoperated humanoid robots successfully completed live gallbladder surgeries. Robotic gallbladder procedures have been performed before, but this experiment was the first to use general-purpose humanoid machines. The work builds on UC San Diego’s earlier research with the same type of robot. CyberGuy previously covered how a remotely controlled humanoid performed seven medical procedures, including physical exams and ultrasound-guided injections.

How these humanoid robots fit into a standard operating room

The researchers created Surgie by modifying commercially available Unitree G1 humanoid robots. Each machine stands about 5 feet tall and weighs around 60 pounds. That makes Surgie dramatically smaller than many existing robotic surgery systems, which can weigh approximately 1,800 pounds.

Large surgical robots may require extensive setup and take up considerable space. Hospitals sometimes need to retrofit an operating room before installing one. Surgie can stand in a room designed for human medical workers. Researchers added adapters to its hands so the robot could grip standard laparoscopic instruments.

A surgeon then controlled the robot from a remote console. When the surgeon moved the controls, Surgie copied those movements at the operating table. That human-like design is important. A hospital may be able to bring the robot into an existing room instead of rebuilding the space around it. A medical team could also move it between rooms or transport it to a smaller facility. “We were surprised at how well Surgie meshed with our workspace and workflow,” said Nikita Thareja, MD, a general surgery resident at UC San Diego School of Medicine and a co-author of the study.

Unitree currently lists the base G1 at $13,500 before taxes and shipping. However, that price does not include the surgical adapters, instruments or remote-control equipment used in the study. The price still points to a potentially significant difference between a general-purpose humanoid and today’s specialized surgical systems. Da Vinci surgical robots can cost from about $700,000 to more than $3 million, depending on the model and configuration. Researchers have not disclosed the total cost of the complete Surgie setup.

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Why use a humanoid instead of a surgical robot?

Modern robotic surgery systems already help doctors perform highly precise procedures. However, those machines usually stay in one location and depend on specialized equipment. A humanoid robot offers more flexibility because it can operate in spaces built for medical workers. It can also hold tools designed for human hands.

Researchers believe future versions could retrieve an instrument during surgery. The robot might also help prepare or clean the room after a procedure. Most importantly, a mobile system could potentially bring a specialist’s skills to an area where surgeons are difficult to find.

Michael Yip, a professor in UC San Diego’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, said remotely operated humanoids could expand access to critical procedures. Researchers envision sending the robots to communities with limited medical staffing or temporary field hospitals.

The goal isn’t to hand medical decisions to a machine. A trained surgeon would remain in control while the robot carried out those movements at the patient’s location. That could give a trauma team on a battlefield access to a specialist located far away. The same approach could help a patient in a remote town avoid a long trip to a major medical center. Researchers have even discussed using the technology during future space missions.

That idea is already moving beyond the laboratory with traditional surgical robots. In March, we reported on a London surgeon who remotely removed a patient’s prostate cancer from 1,500 miles away. The difference is that the London procedure used a specialized surgical platform. Surgie could eventually offer a smaller system that works inside a standard operating room.

The robots still needed plenty of help

The successful procedures do not mean hospitals are ready to start using humanoid robots on patients. Researchers had to recalibrate the robots several times during surgery. The operations also took much longer than procedures performed with established surgical systems.

Latency presents another concern. Latency is the delay between a surgeon moving a controller and the robot responding. A slight lag may feel annoying during a video call. During surgery, even a small delay could affect precision. That challenge becomes more serious when the surgeon and robot are separated by a long distance.

Researchers will need to improve the robot’s reliability and response time. They must also prove that the system can repeat its performance safely across many procedures. Hospitals would need a backup plan as well. A qualified surgical team would have to remain ready to step in if the robot stopped responding or the remote connection failed.

Could a humanoid robot eventually operate on its own?

For now, human surgeons control Surgie’s movements. The UC San Diego researchers eventually want to develop what they call an autonomous surgical assistant. That type of robot could recognize which tool a surgeon needs or complete a limited task under supervision.

Researchers elsewhere are already testing a different approach to autonomous surgery. CyberGuy previously covered an AI-powered robot that independently completed a key phase of gallbladder removal on a lifelike surgical model. However, operating on a living patient presents a much greater challenge. Bleeding can begin without warning. A patient’s condition can also change in seconds.

A robot would need to recognize the problem and respond safely. Medical workers must also be able to take control immediately. Autonomous surgery raises difficult questions about responsibility. Hospitals would need clear rules covering who makes each decision and who is accountable when something goes wrong. Remote operation introduces another concern. Hospitals would have to protect the robot’s software and communications from unauthorized access. At the same time, the system would need to continue operating safely during a connection problem.

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What this means to you

You will not see a humanoid robot independently performing your next surgery. This research remains at the preclinical stage, and the team tested the system on pigs rather than humans. Still, the experiment offers an early look at where robot-assisted medicine may be headed.

A mobile surgical robot could eventually give you access to a specialist without requiring a long trip. It may also help a smaller hospital offer procedures that currently require transferring patients elsewhere. However, access should never come at the expense of safety. Before agreeing to a robot-assisted procedure, you should know who controls the machine. You should also ask what happens if the connection fails and whether a qualified surgical team will remain in the room. The robot may hold the instrument, but human judgment remains the most important part of the operation.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Watching two humanoid robots work over an operating table may make you uncomfortable. Still, the technology could address a serious healthcare problem if researchers can make it reliable and safe. Many communities struggle to attract enough surgeons. A compact robot that works with standard instruments could let a distant specialist enter the operating room without physically traveling there. The comparatively low starting price of the base robot could also make this approach easier to deploy than some specialized surgical systems. This experiment remains an early milestone. The robots needed recalibration, and the operations took longer than usual. Communication delays also remain a concern. The researchers now need to prove that Surgie can perform consistently before anyone considers human trials. Hospitals will also need strict safety protections and trained medical workers ready to take over.

Would you let a surgeon operate through a humanoid robot if it cut months off your wait for care? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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