Amazon to share your WiFi network with other devices

[intrepidity]

Well this is interesting. I can see the real potential benefits; if only it were possible to feel confident about the security.

One application: lost pets. Imagine your pet carries a device that pings these neighborhood nodes. There's a scenario where you'd be appreciative of your neighbors who have devices that participate.

Participation will be the default. You must opt out.

Should you choose to opt-out of Amazon Sidewalk, here’s how:

Open the Alexa app on your iPhone or Android
Tap More
Tap Settings
Tap Account Settings
Tap Amazon Sidewalk
Toggle the switch to Off to disable your participation

LOS ANGELES (KTLA) – Amazon is creating a new network called Sidewalk that will potentially make many internet-connected devices work better, set up easier and even help locate lost pets. But to do it, they will begin sharing a tiny portion of Ring and Echo device owner’s home internet connections.

“There are real privacy concerns … and there are overblown privacy concerns … but it’s still very much early days,” said Chris Davies, executive editor at SlashGear, a consumer technology website.

The Sidewalk network will be powered by various Amazon devices, including Ring Spotlight and Floodlight cams and a laundry list of Echo products. These devices will serve as tiny “bridges” across America – slinging the network into neighborhoods everywhere.

https://www.kron4.com/news/california/amazon-to-share-your-wifi-network-with-other-devices/amp/

[DonaldsRump]

1. Ok, I've bookmarked this

I see a lot of upsides, and a ton of downsides.

I'm very curious about our IT expert DUers and their thoughts about this, particularly from the security side.

Looking forward to people's thoughts! I've found DU absolutely invaluable for getting great ideas on things I'm not sure about, and this is a perfect example.

[LuvNewcastle]

3. Totally agree about Facebook.

I won't go there period, not even to read an article.

[Arne]

5. I have liked the Ring Door monitor from the first one I encountered,

and my dogs are chipped.
Sure my fridge could tell Alexa to order more cheese but do I want my neighbors knowing?
Do I care?
It was not long ago and probably still, when nefarious people were war driving,
war walking and war marking.
My internet router is secured and firewalled but I have an extension router open to all.
Just how far is too far? Look at Chinna and the digital Iron curtain they are pushing,
then determine why we may have concerns about Huawei.

Don't be Evil and Google what the 5g network can do.

[lame54]

8. Don't worry - I hate them enough for both of us

[JDC]

4. Comcast/Xfinity share their customers' wifi by default

If you are another Xfinity customer, you can log in and share others' wifi - unless they've figured out how to web into the portal and turn it off. It can only be done with the online account and not via Xfinity provided router. I pick up wifi all over the country. Or did when I traveled.

I have mine turned off btw




*iPhone typo in edit

[RKP5637]

6. How do I turn off xfinity WiFi sharing?

How do I turn off xfinity WiFi sharing?
Enable or Disable the Xfinity WiFi Home Hotspot Feature in My Account

Go to customer.xfinity.com/#/settings/security/hotspot.
Sign in to your account using your Xfinity ID and password.
Click Turn Off or Turn On to disable or enable your public hotspot. ...
Confirm your selection.
A confirmation message will appear.

[intrepidity]

7. How much of security risk is it to leave it enabled? nt

[JDC]

9. Not sure.

I just don't want people taking my bandwidth.

If you change your admin and password for the router, I'd guess you are ok. But if you leave it default, a user can see you default gateway IP address, or make a very reasonable guess as to what that address is based on their own DHCP address that you provide, and log into your router very easily. I've actually done that before.

[Pobeka]

10. So, the bandwidth I'M paying for, they are going to use to enhance their product?

... and I have to opt *out*?

I have a phrase for that: theft by default.