Your gadgets may be clever, but you’re still the boss. With a few quick moves, you can stop them from oversharing:

Muzzle the Mic
Check which apps on your phone actually need microphone access. Spoiler: your calculator probably doesn’t. On smart speakers, use the mute button when you’re not chatting with them.

Cover Those Eyes
Tape, stickers, or sliding covers over webcams and baby monitors. Because no one needs a surprise cameo in your living room.

Turn Off “Helpful” Tracking
On many smart TVs, disable “viewing data” or “ad personalization.” Unless you enjoy your TV keeping a diary of your binge habits.

Update or Else
Hackers love old software. Keep your devices updated so they don’t develop security holes big enough to drive a Wi-Fi signal through.

Separate Networks, Separate Lives
If you can, put smart gadgets on a guest Wi-Fi network. That way, if your toaster ever does join a cyber army, it can’t march straight into your laptop.