Alexa, Are You a Foreign Agent? Confronting the Risk of Foreign Intelligence Exploitation of Private Home Networks, Home Assistants, and Connectivity in the Security Clearance Process

Virtually all facets of the home can be remotely controlled over the “Internet of Things” [“IoT”]; a Nest brand thermostat controls your furnace and air conditioning, adjusting based on schedules set by the user, or automatically shutting off when you leave the house. Smart light fixtures turn on or off, or dim, in accordance with your wishes. Automatic pet feeders dispense cat food on a schedule or remotely from a smart phone. Wireless security cameras controlled over local network Wi-Fi obviate the need for cumbersome and inconvenient wires.

The unifying device—the switchboard, gatekeeper, and operator—is the home assistant.