In the age of automated smart homes designed for maximum comfort, Google gives you Google Home (GH) to make your life much more convenient.
With this smart device, you can do amazing things like turn on the light or check your emails, which utilizes Google’s user-friendly voice assistant.
However, this gadget opens up another point of access to the internet, putting your security, privacy, and money at risk.
Some people strive to steal personal data from others to benefit from every technology development.
How to tell if your Google Home is hacked? This article will show you the symptoms and ways to prevent this phenomenon. Let’s scroll down to explore!
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How To Tell If Your Google Home Is Hacked?
Google Home is susceptible to hacking. However, it may be challenging to know the signs if it’s your first time using this device.
Below are the typical indications you should know:
Wi-Fi Router Hack
Hackers gain access to your smart GH primarily by entering your Wi-Fi connection via hacking its Wi-Fi router.
They exploit the Universal Plug and Play or UPnP protocol that most Wi-Fi router consumers commonly use.
This protocol makes it simple to recognize services and devices in networks for straightforward communication and connection.
You may notice its application in Local Area Networks (LANs) for several devices on one network.
If that’s the case, you may encounter the following issues, as shown below:
- Router login failure
- Lagging internet speed
- Browser redirects
- Suspect network activity
- Unknown software downloads
- Session hijacking
- Ransomware messages
- Fake antivirus messages
- Increasing pop-up ads
- Alerts from the internet provider
Manipulated Third-Party Create Actions For Your Google Home
When you notice your Google Home asks you for a password for an update, it’s a sign your device has been hacked.
For instance, hackers create a seemingly safe action, and you must submit it for review.
After your Google accepts the notification, the hackers reconfigure the action and create fake error messages rather than standard messages for all activities undertaken.
This way, you may believe that your device isn’t active and can’t listen to your conversations.
The message will come with silence for around one minute. Afterward, hackers will notify you that Google has the latest security updates and ask you to enter the password to keep going.
If you receive any suspicious messages which call for password requirements, it’s an indication that hackers are trying to access your Google Home.
Laser Light On Your Google Home
Laser light commands, besides voice control, can trigger your GH. Therefore, hackers can utilize this tool to hack your device if you place it in your car and other easy-to-access locations.
Although command injection ly light doesn’t produce sound, you can detect the light beam of this tool reflected on your GH.
In other words, if you notice a strange light beam on your device, hackers are trying to hijack it.
How To Prevent Your Google Home From Being Hacked?
After knowing the signs revealing that your Google Home is being hacked, it’s time to learn how to stop this issue. Below are practical solutions to consider.
Secure Your Wi-Fi
Start by avoiding public Wi-Fi connections that are accessible to strangers. Verify the password protection on your Wi-Fi.
This way, other users can’t access your device via the Wi-Fi network.
Enable Voice Recognition
Voice Match is a function on Google Home that gradually recognizes your voice.
You can customize your device to respond to your questions while stopping unauthorized strangers and third-party apps.
Google Home can only offer customized results via Voice Match if it detects an approved voice.
Talking to GH will be necessary to teach it, but the process doesn’t take much time.
Only your authorized voice can activate your Google Home when this function is active.
Follow these simple steps to enable this function:
- Open your smartphone and launch the Google Home application.
- Hit the Home button and move to Settings.
- Select More Settings.
- Tap Assistant, select Voice Match, and then choose Add Device.
Use Two-Factor Verification
An extra layer of protection called two-factor verification can deter hackers from trying to access your data.
Remember that your device is linked to your Google account, which is packed with potentially valuable information. Consider your email, search history, music, or Google Drive.
If hackers steal your password, they will have all these things. That’s why you should use two-factor verification to secure your account.
It almost prohibits a malevolent third party from attacking your account. Only users have your password, and your phone can access it.
Mute Your Google Home When Not Using It
Unintentionally triggering Google Home might cause it to record conversations. Besides, your device may mistake other phases from wake words and activate itself.
For these reasons, you should mute it when not in use. This way, it won’t start itself and record your conversations anymore.
You can check the back of your GH to look for the mute button.
The device will show orange light when you press it, meaning the microphone is off. At the same time, you can’t use voice command functions.
FAQs
Can People Hack Into Your Google Home?
The short answer is yes! Google Home is vulnerable to hacking and spying conversations.
Hackers can use backdoor accounts to access your conversations remotely.
Can Two Phones Connect To Google Home?
Yes! You can use two phones to connect to your Google Home. The Assistant features allow six accounts to access at the same time.
Why Does My Google Home Say Already In Someone Else’s Home?
It’s a way that your GH tries to protect your personal information from hackers.
Moreover, if you buy your device from someone else, it will show this notification to ensure you remove their data before using it.
Can I See Who Is Connected To My Google Home?
The short answer is yes! You can check whether other people use your GH with the following steps:
- Open your phone and go to the Google Home application.
- Press and hold the tile of this device.
- Select Settings and tap Recognition & Sharing at the upper right corner of the screen.
- Under the Link Account(s) section, you can see all Google accounts connected to your device.
How Do I Stop Random People from Connecting To Google Home?
People who use a similar Wi-Fi network like the one your Google Home has connected to will access your device easily.
As a result, they can control it and do any actions, causing annoyance and unwanted issues.
Here are the steps to stop other users from accessing your GoogleHome:
- Open your mobile phone and go to the Google Home application.
- Search for the tile button. Press and hold it.
- Visit Settings.
- Select Recognition And Sharing.
- A new menu will show you the option: Let others control your cast media.
- Turn this option off. That’s all done!
How Do I Remove Unwanted Devices From Google Home?
If you don’t want other people randomly connect to your device, let’s check the guides below to remove undesirable devices:
- Open your mobile phone and launch your Google Home application.
- Locate the tile button. Touch and hold it.
- Select Settings.
- Tap Remove device and then hit the Remove button.
Final Thoughts
This article has eventually reached the bottom of your question: How to tell if your Google Home is hacked?
If your Wi-Fi router shows strange indications like login failure, you can realize this issue. Otherwise, you may receive a message asking for your password, or you see lights on your device.
Hopefully, you can successfully secure your device with our guides to avoid your data from being hacked.
Thanks for taking the time to read this post!
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