Running a business comes with a lot of what -ifs, but luckily there's a simple answer to them.
Shopify, it's the commerce platform behind millions of businesses, including Thrive Cosmetics and Momofuku.
And it'll help you with everything you need.
From website design and marketing to boosting sales and expanding operations, Shopify can get the job done and make your dream a reality.
Turn those what -ifs into.
Sign up for your $1 per month trial at Shopify .com slash special offer.
Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile with a message for everyone paying big wireless way too much. Please for the love of everything good in this world, stop.
With Mint you can get premium wireless for just $15 a month.
Of course, if you enjoy overpaying, no judgments but that's weird. Okay, one judgment.
Anyway, give it a try at MintMobile .com.
Switch. Upfront payment of $45 for 3 month plan, equivalent to $15 per month required.
Intro rate first 3 months only, then full price plan options available.
Taxes and fees extra.
See full terms at MintMobile .com.
Are my smart devices spying on me?
Thanks for asking. Smart devices can be very handy, but increasingly people are worried about exactly how smart they are, what they know and what they're doing with our data, especially after a rogue Roomba ended up sharing embarrassing photos of one young woman on the toilet.
What are smart devices?
They are electric devices, or gadgets, that have the ability to interact, connect and share information with other smart devices.
It's often associated with the term the Internet of Things.
The Internet of Things refers to a network of devices that gather data and share information with each other through the internet.
This includes things like smartphones, fitness trackers, smart TVs, smart speakers and much more.
What are the advantages of smart devices?
For many people it's the convenience, for being able to put on your heating or air conditioning before you get home and arrive at the perfect temperature.
What are the disadvantages?
For some people it's how the data collected is being used.
It could be simply a way to work out how to sell you more products, but it could go much further from staff listening to conversations recorded by your smart speakers, or companies sharing your doorbell camera videos with police.
And as with anything internet connected cybersecurity is also an issue, with a risk of hackers gaining access to your private information.
How can I protect my data from misuse?
There are a few ways you can help improve data security.
First, consider what level of data breach you can handle.
It's one thing for a company and possibly a hacker to gain access to how warm your home is, or what time you turned your lights on.
It's quite another for them to be able to see video feed of your child's bedroom.
So consider if you you really need that smart device, and if you're happy to give people that level of access.
Next, consider the products you buy.
Smaller or no -name brands might not be as likely to protect you from cybercriminals.
Google and Amazon, for example, do regular security updates in order to foil would -be hackers.
You can also check out the website Mozilla Privacy Not Included, which is a guide aimed at helping consumers understand what and how data is used for different devices.
What can I do to improve safety in my devices that I already have?
To understand just how many of your home gadgets need the internet, try switching off your router to see what stops working.
Then, minimise data collected by turning off any voice assistant functionalities, and cover up cameras you don't need by sticking paper over them.
Also, be aware that although you are able to delete some data collected by devices, this might give you a false sense of control, as the metadata is usually stored regardless.
At the end of the day, if you want to have a smart home then you're going to be giving your data away whether you like it or not.
So it's up to you how much you're happy to compromise convenience for privacy.
There you have it. Now you know if your smart devices are spying on you.
In under three minutes, we answer your questions and help you understand the true meaning behind the trends, concepts and acronyms that are making headlines.
Listen along and you really will know for sure!
