During a divorce, particularly a bitter divorce, one or both spouses can be tempted to seek out compromising or unflattering information about the other. Perhaps they want to improve their chances of getting more financial support or sway the courts in their favor for child custody. Whatever the motivation may be, in some cases, a person may stoop to intrusive or even illegal levels to gain information about their ex.
One way they may do this is by spying on or accessing smart home devices in the other’s home.
Smart devices an ex may access
Most people have some type of smart home device. After all, everything from appliances to TVs can be capable of collecting data on users. For instance, in your home, you may have:
- Video doorbells
- Cloud-based virtual assistants (e.g., Alexa)
- Smart locks
- Home platforms (e.g., Google Nest and Apple HomePod
- Indoor home security cameras
- Smart calendars
While these and other devices can help homeowners feel safer or more organized, they can also reveal sensitive information about you. They can collect data like times when you’re home, who comes to your house, what you are you doing and what your plans for the weekend may be.
Smart ways to protect yourself
Unfortunately, it can be possible for an ex to gain access to these or the data they collect, especially when they had access already because they lived with you. But you can take steps to protect yourself and your privacy.
First, be sure to update passwords and permissions for devices your ex may no longer have a legal right to access. Check your privacy settings and consider disconnecting or replacing anything you suspect may be vulnerable. It can also be wise to update your Wi-Fi settings and log out any unknown devices connected to specific apps or websites.
Alternatively, if you don’t have these and want to protect yourself from an ex who may come over uninvited or harass you, consider installing devices like cameras or video doorbells. Just be sure they are secure, and don’t share the login or accessibility information with others.
Plenty of information is already going to be share about you and your soon-to-be-ex during your Virginia divorce. You deserve to have some privacy in your own home, and these tips can help you protect that.
