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Before you connect another smart TV, tablet or phone, lock it down

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Before you connect another smart TV, tablet or phone, lock it down

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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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FIVE DATA BROKER OPT-OUT MYTHS THAT LEAVE RETIREES EXPOSED

A new smart TV, phone or tablet can expose your Wi-Fi network if privacy and security settings are ignored during setup. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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.

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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 One poorly configured smart TV or old tablet with an out-of-date OS can give attackers a foothold into everything else connected to the same router.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.

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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.

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New device security checklist

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

YOU COULD GET PAID FROM GOOGLE’S ANDROID DATA LAWSUIT

Before adding a new device to Wi-Fi, update software, change default passwords and review app permissions. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

 

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.

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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.

GOOGLE TURNS OLD PHONES INTO CLOUD SERVERS

A separate guest Wi-Fi network can help keep smart TVs and other connected devices away from personal laptops and phones. (Ute Grabowsky/Photothek via Getty Images))

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.

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  • 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.

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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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Technology

Saber denies replacing Rideshare Stimulator’s writers with ChatGPT

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Saber denies replacing Rideshare Stimulator’s writers with ChatGPT

After a former lead writer claimed Saber “replaced me with ChatGPT,” CEO Matthew Karch now claims, “Neither Saber nor Unigine have replaced any writers with AI,” for the Rideshare “Stimulator” game announced last month, developed by Unigine.

The writer, Stella Sacco, says differently, however, posting on Bluesky that “I was lead writer on this one! And Saber replaced me with ChatGPT midway through development. All the passenger voices were AI too. Either they changed direction at some point or they’re not disclosing it on Steam.”

Saber describes Rideshare “Stimulator” as an “immersive driving simulation game that puts you behind the wheel as a rideshare business owner,” and the segments shown in a teaser trailer appear to include AI-generated writing and audio for the simulated riders who are being picked up. The game’s Steam listing does not currently include any disclosure about using generative AI.

A statement from Karch provided to The Verge says, “The game will also feature an experimental, free-ride mode that by necessity incorporates AI as the number of passengers in the game is infinite. We are firm believers in using AI tools to improve or enhance gameplay experiences and improve NPC behavior as we have done since Saber was founded in 2001,” it continued, also claiming that “As the industry has continued to contract, Saber continues to hire. None of our 3000+ employees have to worry about being replaced by AI.”

Sacco replied to Karch’s statement in a message sent to The Verge. “My indignation at being called a liar by that statement aside, you can’t meaningfully say both ‘writers wrote the story’ and ‘computers wrote the text,’” Sacco says. “If rides I wrote are in there, and also rides AI wrote or will write are in there, then AI was still used, and I was still replaced, just as Saber told me they were doing in December 2023. They’re trying to have it both ways. You can’t win on the labor part of the statement while you admit you took work away from labor in the next part. It’s ridiculous.”

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Cleveland Clinic launches prescription drone delivery

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Cleveland Clinic launches prescription drone delivery

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A trip to the pharmacy can feel like a routine errand on a normal day. When you feel sick or care for someone else, that same trip can become a serious burden. Now, some Cleveland Clinic patients can skip the drive and have eligible prescriptions lowered into their yards by drone.

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Cleveland Clinic just announced the launch of its prescription drone delivery program with Zipline. The first successful deliveries took place in and around Beachwood, Ohio.

Cleveland Clinic describes the launch as the first long-term deployment of a prescription drug drone delivery program by a U.S. health system. While other hospitals have tested medical drone services, this program is designed for ongoing delivery to patients’ homes.

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DOORDASH GETS FAA APPROVAL FOR ITS OWN DELIVERY DRONES

Zipline drones can deliver eligible Cleveland Clinic prescriptions within minutes while remaining hundreds of feet above patients’ homes. (Zipline)

Cleveland Clinic drone delivery starts in and around Beachwood

The service currently covers eligible addresses within five miles of Cleveland Clinic’s Beachwood Administrative Campus. That location serves as the home base for Zipline’s electric drones. Initially, Cleveland Clinic is offering the service to certain patients who already use its pharmacy home delivery program. The pharmacy team will notify eligible patients through their electronic patient portal.

Patients do not have to use a drone. The delivery option is voluntary, and Cleveland Clinic says it will not charge an additional fee. According to Zipline, the program initially covers shelf-stable prescriptions. Controlled substances will not travel by drone at this time.

How prescriptions arrive by Zipline drone

The process begins inside a Cleveland Clinic pharmacy. A pharmacy technician places the packaged medication into a secure Zipline drop box. Next, an autonomous drone retrieves the order and flies to the patient’s address. When the aircraft reaches its destination, it remains as high as 300 feet above the ground. A small delivery pod then descends on a tether. The pod places the prescription at the selected delivery location before rising back to the drone. The aircraft returns to its charging station after completing the delivery.

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Since the drone stays in the air, it does not need to land in your yard. You also do not need to clear space for a landing pad. Once a pharmacy order enters the Zipline drop box, it can reach the patient’s home within minutes. According to Zipline, its average flight time is under five minutes.

Patients can follow the delivery through a tracking link in the MyChart messaging portal. Because delivery information arrives through a health portal, be careful with unexpected texts or emails claiming to contain a tracking update. Open the official MyChart app or type the portal address into your browser instead of tapping an unplanned link. CyberGuy’s guide to using health apps and patient portals safely explains why going directly to the official app can help you avoid phishing attempts.

Who can use Cleveland Clinic prescription delivery

For now, eligibility remains narrow. You must live within the initial delivery zone near Beachwood. You must also participate in Cleveland Clinic’s pharmacy home delivery program. Cleveland Clinic patients who are interested in participating should ask their doctor if they are eligible. The Beachwood launch gives the Cleveland Clinic and Zipline a chance to incorporate the experience during regular pharmacy operations.

REMOTE ROBOT SURGERY REMOVES CANCER 1,500 MILES AWAY

Cleveland Clinic patients near Beachwood, Ohio, can now receive eligible prescriptions by Zipline drone, with deliveries lowered by tether into their yards. (Zipline)

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Patients can choose where the package lands

Eligible patients can select a delivery location on their property. According to Zipline, that location will typically be in the front yard or backyard. Patients can also schedule delivery for a time when they expect to be home. After the pod places the package on the ground, the patient can collect it without touching the drone or the delivery pod. That setup may help keep a prescription from sitting outside longer than necessary. It also gives patients more control over where the package appears on their property.

How Zipline handles privacy and flight monitoring

Zipline says it does not know what is inside a Cleveland Clinic order. The company receives only the information it needs to complete the delivery and follow healthcare requirements, including package handling or temperature instructions. The drones do not send a live video or image feed to Zipline employees. Instead, trained specialists monitor flights at the fleet level through operational dashboards. Each drone and delivery pod flies autonomously using onboard sensors. Those sensors help the system navigate the airspace and avoid obstacles near the delivery area. Cleveland Clinic and Zipline say they worked together to meet the regulatory and technical requirements for the program.

Zipline has delivered medical products since 2016

While a prescription hovering over an Ohio neighborhood may seem unusual, Zipline has spent years building autonomous medical delivery networks. The company began delivering blood and other medical products in 2016. Today, Zipline says it serves more than 5,000 hospitals and health facilities around the world. It has delivered tens of millions of medical products through its network.

CyberGuy first examined how Zipline planned to deliver medicine and food when the company revealed its Platform 2 system in 2023. That design introduced the tethered pod that can place a package in a precise location while the main aircraft stays overhead. Since then, Zipline has moved further into everyday U.S. delivery. To date, the company reported more than 2.7 million commercial deliveries. Roughly 70% of its flights now take place in the United States. Outside healthcare, Zipline carries restaurant orders and retail products. In parts of Texas, customers can receive drone deliveries from national brands and local businesses.

CHINESE DRONE MONOPOLY PUT ON NOTICE AMID CONCERNS OVER CCP SPYING: ‘STRATEGIC MISTAKE’

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Cleveland Clinic says its new drone service gives some patients another way to receive shelf-stable prescriptions without making a pharmacy trip. (Zipline)

Drone delivery can continue through difficult weather

Cleveland Clinic’s program arrives as drone delivery becomes more visible in the U.S. CyberGuy recently covered a drone food delivery pilot in New Jersey. That service also uses a tether to lower orders while the aircraft remains in the air. Food delivery gives companies a way to test flight paths and neighborhood acceptance. Delivering medicine raises the stakes because patients may rely on the package for their care.

According to Zipline, its drones can operate in rain, wind, storms and cold conditions that may slow road traffic. However, weather or another issue could still make a drone flight unavailable. In that situation, Cleveland Clinic would use another delivery option. Zipline says the prescription would typically travel by ground courier instead. According to Cleveland Clinic, each Zipline drone performs more than 500 safety checks per second while flying.

Cleveland Clinic plans to expand medical drone delivery

Prescription medication is the starting point. Over time, Cleveland Clinic plans to add other medications and lab samples. The program may also transport medically tailored meals and medical supplies.

Zipline has already announced its next expansion will be to Austin, Texas. Zipline’s president of U.S. healthcare, Hillary Brendzel, described the immediate benefit in simple terms: “That’s one less errand to run, and more time back in people’s days.” That may sound modest compared with the technology involved. However, saving one pharmacy trip can matter when someone feels ill or cannot easily drive. In fact, in Texas, according to Zipline, its most frequent customers are older adults and busy parents.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

What caught my attention here is how ordinary the problem is. People need medicine, but getting to a pharmacy can be difficult when they are already dealing with an illness or mobility problem. Cleveland Clinic and Zipline are using drone technology to remove that errand for some patients. The drone stays above the property while a tethered pod handles the final delivery. Patients can track the order through MyChart without paying an extra fee. The average flight takes under five minutes, according to Zipline. Patients can choose where the package arrives and schedule the delivery for a time when they will be home. If the drone cannot fly, Cleveland Clinic can use a ground courier instead. Zipline also says it does not know what medication is inside the package, and its drones do not provide employees with a live video feed. Those details may reassure patients who have questions about privacy. Still, the launch remains limited to a small area near Beachwood. Only shelf-stable prescriptions qualify at first, and controlled substances are excluded. If this works reliably, prescription delivery could become one of the most meaningful uses for autonomous drones.

Would you trust a drone to deliver medication you depend on, or would you rather keep your prescriptions on the ground? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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Sonos Ace Ultra headphones could be on the horizon

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Sonos Ace Ultra headphones could be on the horizon

In addition to the S52A designation, one of the submitted documents shows an oval diagram — likely the ear cup — marked with the name Sonos Ace Ultra, although that name isn’t listed anywhere else. It follows the naming scheme Sonos has used in the past with its Arc and Arc Ultra soundbars. The documents also list color options we’ll likely see, which extend beyond the white and black of the Ace. The five colors named are “greige,” shadow black, agave, blush, and sand.

There’s also indication of testing for local networks over 2.4 and 5GHz bands. This could be just for the same TV swapping capability we saw on the Sonos Ace, or it could mean that these new headphones will support music streaming over Wi-Fi like Sonos’ speakers.

It’s been over two years since the Sonos Ace headphones were released, and that launch was overshadowed by the troublesome redesigned app rollout, which was likely pushed out early because the old app would not have supported the Ace. While the Sonos Ace were comfortable and stylish with good sound and ANC, they weren’t quite as good as comparatively priced headphones of the time like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Sennheiser Momentum 4. And because of the app issues, the Sonos ecosystem integration was buggy.

But Sonos has come a long way and recovered from those woeful app relaunch days with some strong product releases, including the Arc Ultra soundbar and Play speaker. If Sonos takes the lessons learned from the original Ace — and we do indeed see new headphones in the coming weeks or months — they could signal the full return of Sonos.

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