With Apple's Homepod finally on the market, the trifecta of voice assistants from Amazon, Google, and Apple is complete. However, with more devices on the market, there are higher chances hackers will find vulnerabilities and steal your information. Jason Glassberg, co-founder of Casaba Security and self-proclaimed "ethical hacker," joins Cheddar to discuss how to protect your device from hackers.
Glassberg says if a hacker can gain access to your smart speaker, he or she could order the doors to unlock, intimidate loved ones (especially children) with verbal threats via the speaker, or simply record everything you say. He suggests making sure you buy a brand new device (not a used one on the internet) so you can avoid past owners having access to your information.
Plus, which companies are more vulnerable to a hack? Glassberg says Sonos and Bose are the weakest links. Researchers have found simple internet searches turn up results on ways to hack smart devices.
Payments are restarting for student loan borrowers but the FTC is warning about in increased risk of getting scammed. Leslie Tayne, founder of Tayne Law Group, joined Cheddar News to provide tips on how to avoid scams amid confusion over payment plans and restarting dates.
Roadway deaths in the U.S. are mounting despite government test data showing vehicles have been getting safer. While the number of all car-related fatalities has trended upward over the last decade, pedestrians and cyclists have seen the sharpest rise: over 60% between 2011 and 2022.