Best Alexa Home Security Systems
Their affordable packages, simple setups, and functionality make SimpliSafe the best option for Alexa security systems.
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Last Updated on Oct 09, 2024
- Affordable packages
- Plug-and-play setup
- Functional Alexa Skill
- Compatible with Amazon ecosystem
- Alexa integration at every subscription level
- Unusual smart device selection
- Wide range of smart devices
- High-quality cameras
- Professional installation
“Hey, Alexa. Answer the front door.” “Hey, Alexa. Turn on the floodlight.” “Hey, Alexa. Lock up for the night.” These are real commands you can give your Amazon Echo — as long as you have an Alexa-friendly home security system.
Most home security systems are at least a little friendly with Alexa. They’re on speaking terms, at least — they’ll let you arm your alarm with a simple voice command. But some security systems love Alexa — and they’ll let her control every device in your smart home.
Creepy? A little. Useful? Definitely. With full Alexa integration, you can tell your security system to lock up for the night — and it’ll actually happen.
>> Check Out: The Best Smart Locks of 2024
I researched, tested, and wrote up the security systems that are truly tight with your favorite Amazon-owned AI assistant. It’s no surprise that Ring Alarm, another Amazon product, is on the list. But there are other great options, from old standby ADT to relative newcomer SimpliSafe.
Pro Tip: Haven’t ordered your home security system yet? Sign up for Alexa Emergency Assist in the meantime.1 It turns your Amazon Echo into a monitored alarm.
What Makes a Security System Alexa-Friendly
- Alexa Skill: A security system can’t work with Alexa without a Skill. (That’s basically Alexa’s version of an app.) Every option on this list has one.
- Smart home: Alexa is an easy-peasy way to control your smart devices — if you have smart devices to control. I looked for security systems that include smart lights, locks, and thermostats.
- Price: Some security systems seem like a good deal, but they require extra cash to connect to Alexa. My favorite home security systems are affordable — with or without smart home integration.
Pro Tip: To make the most of Alexa, download more Skills. You can even read choose-your-own-adventure books with Alexa and Audible.
Comparison of the Best Security Systems That Are Compatible With Alexa
| System |
SimpliSafe
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Ring Alarm
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Vivint
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ADT
|
Frontpoint
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th |
| Ratings | 9.2/10 | 7.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.9/10 |
| Alexa Skill rating | 2.1/5 | 3.2/5 | 2.1/5 | 1.9/5 | 2.9/5 |
| Smart devices | Locks | Lights, locks, thermostats, water monitor | Lights, locks, thermostats | Lights, locks, thermostats | Lights, locks, thermostats |
| Starter package price | $279.95 | $269.99 | $599 | $599 | $541.91 |
| Monthly subscription (with Alexa integration) price | $9.99 | $3.99 | $40 | $40 | $49.99 |
| Read Review | SimpliSafe Review | Ring Alarm Review | Vivint Review | ADT Review | Frontpoint Review |
Best Alexa Home Security Systems
- SimpliSafe - Best Overall
- Ring Alarm - Best Alexa Compatibility
- Vivint - Best Option With Professional Installation
- ADT - Best Smart Home Package
- Frontpoint - Best Customer Service
Ranking Our Favorite Alexa-Compatible Home Security Systems
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1. SimpliSafe - Best Overall
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $280 Monitoring Options Professional and DIY Monthly Monitoring Costs $19.99 per month Contract Lengths Month-to-month Installation Options DIY or professional Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home SimpliSafe Overview
When I compare SimpliSafe to Ring Alarm, it’s clear that Ring Alarm works better with Alexa. But it’s also clear that SimpliSafe is a better system overall.
It’s hard to beat SimpliSafe’s affordability, customizability, and idiot-proof installation. That rare combination earned it a place on our list of the best smart home security systems — and it earned it a place on this list too.
SimpliSafe’s full device lineup What We Like
- Affordable equipment
- Great value monitoring
- Functional Alexa Skill
What We Don’t Like
- Requires subscription to work with Alexa
- Cameras don’t work with Alexa
- Limited smart device selection
SimpliSafe Alexa Skill
Let’s get this out of the way: At 2.1 out of 5, SimpliSafe does not have a highly rated Alexa Skill. No security company does. Compare SimpliSafe to Frontpoint, for example. Frontpoint has the edge, but just barely, at 2.9 out of 5.
FYI: Alexa Skills for security companies tend to garner low ratings — often, for reasons that have nothing to do with the Skill itself. Users leave one-star ratings for everything from forgotten passwords to missing features. That’s why we don’t just rely on online reviews — we test security systems ourselves.
In reality, SimpliSafe’s Alexa Skill is simple but functional. You can arm your system, check its status, and lock your doors (if you have SimpliSafe smart locks). You can’t view security camera footage.
SimpliSafe Alexa Skill Example Commands
- Alexa, tell SimpliSafe to lock up.
- Alexa, tell SimpliSafe I’m leaving.
- Alexa, ask SimpliSafe what’s shakin’?
SimpliSafe Smart Home
SimpliSafe is a security company, not a smart home company. And it shows. You can buy contact sensors, flood sensors, and motion detectors from SimpliSafe. You can’t buy smart lights or a smart thermostat from SimpliSafe.
SimpliSafe System Keypad armed The news isn’t all bad. SimpliSafe sells one of the most affordable smart locks in the business. It works with August smart locks too (Psst. That was one of our picks for the best smart lock of 2024). That makes commands like “Hey, Alexa. Tell SimpliSafe to lock up” possible.
Pro Tip: Love everything about SimpliSafe except the lack of smart devices? Buy Alexa-compatible devices instead. The best smart home devices don’t need to work with your SimpliSafe system to work alongside your SimpliSafe system.
SimpliSafe Pricing
SimpliSafe is one of my favorite security systems with no monthly fee. But there’s a catch. Some features are available only with a subscription. Unfortunately, for Alexa users, smart home integration is one of them. You need to pay at least $9.99 per month to connect SimpliSafe to Alexa.
When you compare SimpliSafe to Vivint, however, that price starts to look pretty good. SimpliSafe costs $9.99 per month for self-monitoring and $29.99 for professional monitoring. Vivint plans start at about $40 per month.
Pro Tip: Want help watching over your home but can’t afford SimpliSafe’s professional monitoring ($29.99 per month)? Pair SimpliSafe’s self-monitoring plan ($9.99 per month) with Alexa Emergency Assist ($5.99 per month). It unlocks the “Hey, Alexa. Call for help” command.
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2. Ring Alarm - Best Alexa Compatibility
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Starting at $199 Monitoring Options Professional and DIY Monthly Monitoring Costs Starting at $20 Contract Lengths 1-12 months Installation Options DIY or professional Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home
Ring Alarm Overview
Ring and Alexa are both owned by Amazon, so it’s no surprise that they work well together. Turn your Ring Doorbell into an intercom. Stream Ring Indoor Cam footage on your Echo Show. Shut off the motion sensors in the kids’ playroom. It’s all possible with Ring and Alexa.
Ring Alarm Equipment with an Echo Dot and Alexa app So, why isn’t Ring Alarm at the top of my list? One factor is its parent company. Amazon has got into trouble more than once for privacy violations — not exactly something you want from a security provider.2
What’s more, Amazon is a poster child for platform decay: when a company captures the market, only to get rid of the features that got everybody hooked in the first place.3 And yes, it is getting rid of security features. The company ended 2023 on a high note (not) by sunsetting Alexa Guard, Echo speakers’ built-in security system.4
The features you enjoy today could be gone tomorrow. But for now, Ring Alarm is one of the best options for Alexa users.
What We Like
- Amazon integrations
- Alexa-compatible cameras
- Great value plans
What We Don’t Like
- Privacy concerns
- Connectivity issues
- Platform decay
Ring Alarm Alexa Skill
At the time of publication, Ring’s Alexa Skill is sitting at 3.2 out of 5. Stack up Ring Alarm against ADT? Ring Alarm comes out on top. (ADT has only a 1.9 out of 5 rating.)
The biggest edge Ring has over the competition? Security camera compatibility. You can ask Alexa to stream Ring security camera footage to your Amazon Fire — and she’ll do it. Try asking Alexa to stream footage from your SimpliCam. Spoiler alert: It won’t work.
Did You Know: Your smart TV could be a digital security liability. Learn how to install and use a VPN on an Amazon Fire TV Stick.
Another handy little feature? Multi-way audio. Let’s say you’re hard at work in your home office when someone rings your Ring. Don’t interrupt your workflow. Just ask Alexa to answer the front door and start talking to your visitor. Your smart speaker will route your conversation through the doorbell camera.
Ring Alexa Skill Example Commands
- Alexa, answer the front door.
- Alexa, turn off all motion detectors for the next half hour.
- Alexa, show me the last activity from the back door.
- Alexa, disable Ring motion alerts.
Ring Alarm Smart Home
Ring sells approximately a bajillion smart devices on its website. You can get basically anything you can think of and some things you can’t, like a smart pump that shuts off your water supply as soon as the pipes freeze. (Shout out to Flo by Moen: It costs $549.98, but it seems like it could be worth it!5)
Pro Tip: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you don’t want to shell out $550 on a smart pump, set your smart thermometer above 55 degrees to keep pipes from bursting.
Everything included with the Ring Alarm Pro That gives Alexa a lot more to work with. You can ask her to arm your alarm, sure. But you can also ask her to check on your pipes, adjust your kitchen thermostat, and turn off your backyard motion sensor while the kids play tag.
A caveat: When we tested Ring Alarm, we ran into trouble with connectivity. We were able to get everything up and running, but it took a few tries. The selection of smart devices is great, but the reliability leaves something to be desired.
Ring Alarm Pricing
Ring Alarm on its own is a good value. Ring Alarm with Alexa is a great value. You can connect the security system to the AI assistant for just $3.99 per month. A Vivint subscription is about 10 times more expensive.
Did You Know: Any Ring Protect subscription gets you 10 percent off select purchases from Ring.com.
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3. Vivint - Best Option With Professional Installation
Product Specs
Equipment costs Starting at $449 Monitoring options Professional Monthly monitoring costs $40 per month Contract lengths Starting at 42 months Installation options Professional Smart platform integration Alexa and Google Home Vivint Overview
Vivint is more than a security company. Vivint is a smart home automation company. It sells oodles of connected devices that pair well with Alexa.
Vivint Panel video doorbell view The long, expensive contracts will be a deal-breaker for some. But if you order a smart home package, the professional installation could be worth the price.
>> Read More: DIY vs. Professionally Installed Home Security Systems
What We Like
- Wide selection of smart devices
- High-quality equipment
- Professional installation
What We Don’t Like
- Poorly rated Alexa Skill
- Long contracts
- Pricey
Vivint Alexa Skill
Vivint may not offer Ring Alarm’s dazzling array of Alexa commands, but it comes pretty close.
When we tested Vivint, we were able to use Alexa to:
- Control Hue lighting
- Adjust the Nest thermostat
- Manage the Kwikset smart lock
- Arm the Vivint security system
- Livestream the Vivint security footage
Based on the Vivint’s Alexa Skill reviews, however, it looks like some people weren’t so lucky. Multiple users report having trouble accessing their security footage. The Vivint Complete Skill is sitting at a 2.1 rating out of 5, as of publication.
FYI: Vivint has a short but sweet return policy. If your Alexa integration — or anything else — isn’t working, let the company know within three days of purchase to get your money back.
Vivint Alexa Skill Example Commands
- Alexa, turn on the lights.
- Alexa, arm my home “away.”
- Alexa, I’m cold.
- Alexa, lock the front door.
Vivint Smart Home
Vivint sells more than just security sensors. Like, a lot more. You can get lights, locks, thermostats, and practically every other smart device from Vivint.
Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro (Gen 2) (No smart water monitor, though. That’s where Ring Alarm has Vivint beat.)
>> Check Out: Ring Alarm vs. Vivint
Vivint Pricing
Vivint is a great security system. It’s also a pricey security system. The most basic Vivint package starts at about $600 if you pay upfront.
Here’s one reason it might be worth it. Let’s say you’re a smart home nerd (no judgment — I am too). Alexa is just the tip of the iceberg. You want a smart thermostat, garage door opener, and lighting system too.
That’s a lot of equipment to install. Would you like some help? Vivint will actually give you some. The company sends a technician to install every new system. SimpliSafe recently started connecting customers to a third-party installation company, but that’s just not the same as an in-house installation team.
Pro Tip: In theory, Vivint installation costs money. In practice, you can usually get a deal. Ask your sales rep for free install.
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4. ADT - Best Smart Home Package
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $599 Monitoring Options Professional Monthly Monitoring Costs Starting at $25 per month Contract Lengths 36 months and up Installation Options Professional Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home ADT Overview
Can you teach an old dog new tricks? I don’t know, but someone certainly taught this old security company new technology. ADT systems work with Alexa — and that’s just the beginning.
Our ADT Plus security system prior to unboxing. What We Like
- Wide range of smart devices
- Extensive list of Alexa commands
- Professional installation
What We Don’t Like
- Alexa Skill can be buggy
- Long-term contracts
- Somewhat pricey
ADT Alexa Skill
There’s a lot to like about ADT’s Alexa skill. You can use it to arm and disarm your security system. You can dim the lights, lock the doors, and adjust your temperature.
ADT Alexa Skill Example Commands
- Alexa, disarm ADT.
- Alexa, dim the bathroom light to 25%.
- Alexa, lock the back door.
- Alexa, unlock the front door.
- Alexa, increase the bedroom temperature to 70 degrees.
Unless you can’t, because you can’t log in at all. Multiple users in 2023 reported a bug that sends their authentication code into the void — preventing them from using Alexa. Issues like that have earned ADT’s Alexa Skill a paltry 1.9 out of 5 rating.
Pro Tip: If you run into issues with your ADT system, put down the phone and pull up the live chat. We’ve had better luck getting quick answers online.
ADT Smart Home
You might not think of ADT as a cutting-edge company. But when it comes to smart home automations, it’s one of the best around. You can buy smart lights, switches, locks, thermostats, and more from ADT.
That means you can ask Alexa to dim the lights as well as arm the security system. She’s a multitasker that way.
Arming the ADT Home Security Control Panel ADT Pricing
Like Vivint, ADT funnels customers to sales representatives instead of allowing them to simply add items to a cart. Also like Vivint, ADT encourages customers to sign long contracts instead of paying upfront.
>> Read More: ADT vs. Vivint Comparison
That means it can be tricky to figure out exactly how much an ADT package costs. Allow me to remove the shroud of mystery for you. A typical ADT system costs somewhere in the ballpark of $50 per month for three years.
If you can negotiate free professional installation, do. ADT offers enough smart devices that you could use the extra help.
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5. Frontpoint - Best Customer Service
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Starting at $99 Monitoring Options Professional only Monthly Monitoring Costs Starting at $49.99 Contract Lengths 1-36 months Installation Options DIY Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home Frontpoint Overview
If you’re looking for a tried-and-true security system that will play nicely with Alexa, Frontpoint should be on your list.
The Frontpoint security system. And if you run into problems with installation? You can call up its famously excellent customer service. (Seriously. We managed to get real, live, helpful humans on the phone when we tested Frontpoint.)
What We Like
- Good selection of smart devices
- Great customer service
- High-quality professional monitoring
What We Don’t Like
- High monthly fee
- Confusing pricing
- Awkward Alexa commands
Frontpoint Alexa Skill
Frontpoint’s Alexa Skill earned a mediocre 2.9 rating out of 5, but I think I’ve established that these reviewers are a pretty tough crowd.
More importantly, the Skill enables a range of smart home commands, including checking your room’s temperature, dimming your lights, and disarming your security system.
Not enough automation for you? Pull up the Frontpoint app and make a scene. No, not the screaming “fire” in a crowded room kind of scene. A home automation scene: a list of smart device commands you bundle under one name.
For example, you could create a “go to sleep” scene that triggers turning off all the lights, locking all the doors, and arming the alarm. Say “Alexa, ask Frontpoint to go to sleep,” and watch the magic happen.
Frontpoint App Main Page Frontpoint Alexa Skill Example Commands
- Alexa, ask Frontpoint to sleep.
- Alexa, ask Frontpoint to disarm my security system.
- Alexa, ask Frontpoint what the temperature is.
- Alexa, ask Frontpoint to set the kitchen light to 100 percent.
- Alexa, ask Frontpoint to pan the living room camera to the couch.
Frontpoint Smart Home
Frontpoint offers smart lights, smart locks, and cameras — all of which are Alexa-compatible. It’s not as wide a selection as Ring’s, but it’s everything you need to start your smart home journey.
>> Learn More: Frontpoint FAQ
Frontpoint Pricing
Frontpoint offers two professional monitoring plans: the Interactive Plan, for $44.99 per month, and the Ultimate Plan, for $49.99 per month.
Make sure you select the $50-per-month plan, not the $45-per-month plan. That $5 is the difference between excellent smart home integration and little-to-no smart home integration. That’s right: Frontpoint pricing basically has an Alexa tax.
The Pros and Cons of Alexa for Home Security
Alexa is a wonderful addition to any secure home. Right? Eh. It’s not that simple. Alexa has advantages and disadvantages as a weapon in your home security arsenal.
Pro: Alexa Makes Home Security Easy
Even a basic home security system can come with an overwhelming number of features — that you never use. Are you really going to take the time to set up automatic door locks on your eufy system?
Alexa makes using your smart devices as easy as asking a favor. “Hey, Alexa. Lock all my doors.” Just like that, you’re making the most of your home security system.
Con: Alexa Is Always Listening
Can you really call Alexa safe when it’s constantly listening to you?6 I don’t know about you, but one reason I’m interested in home security is to keep creeps away from me — not to invite them in.
Con: Alexa Can Be Hacked
Researchers have shown that it’s not only possible, but pretty simple, to hack Alexa.7 But thankfully, it’s a pretty rare occurrence.
>> Read More: Can Home Security Systems Be Hacked?
How to Make the Most of Alexa for Home Security
So, you’ve decided to invite Alexa to share your home. How do you make the most of your new roommate?
1. Download your security system’s Alexa Skill.
Let’s start with the basics. Alexa doesn’t know you have a security system until you tell her. Add your chosen brand’s Alexa Skill before you start issuing commands.
2. Add more Skills.
Don’t stop there. Look for other security-boosting Skills to add to Alexa
I’m a fan of the Guard Dog Skill.8 Owning a big, scary dog is a great way to protect yourself from home invasion. If you don’t actually have a big, scary dog, fake it til you make it!
3. Consider adding Emergency Assist.
The $5.99-per-month Alexa Emergency Assist feature turns your Amazon Echo Dot into a supercharged emergency cell phone. When you say, “Alexa, call for help,” you’re connected to a trained monitor who assesses whether you need emergency services.
If you’ve gone with one of our favorite self-monitored security systems, you might want to add Emergency Assist for extra help.
How to Add Skills to Alexa
Alexa works with Skills. If you don’t download your security company’s Skill, you won’t be able to use Alexa to control it at all. Here’s what you need to do.
1. Ask Alexa.
“Hey, Alexa. Enable SimpliSafe” (or Frontpoint, or Vivint, or Ring, or ADT). The Skill will be ready to use in a jiffy. Isn’t that convenient?
2. Open the Alexa app.
If you’d rather tap than talk, open up the Alexa app and navigate to Skills and Games. From there, you can find your home security company’s Skill and add it.
3. Go to the Amazon website.
You can always search the Amazon website for a skill. Just make sure you’re signed in to the account that’s linked to Alexa before you hit “enable.”
Methodology
I thought long and hard about what makes a home security system pair well with Alexa. In the end, I decided on three main criteria. First, does the system have a functional Alexa Skill? Second, is it built for smart homes? Finally, is it a good value for Alexa users?
Alexa Skill
I’ll be real with you: No security company has a highly rated Alexa Skill. Not even Ring. If and when that changes, I’ll update this list.
For now, I focused on the basics. First, is there an Alexa Skill at all? Deep Sentinel doesn’t have one, which knocked it out of the running.
Next, how much can the Alexa Skill do? Is it limited to arming and disarming, or can it do more advanced tasks, like adjust camera angles? More complexity means more points on my scale.
Smart Home
Alexa can do more than arm and disarm your home security system. She can lock all your doors. She can turn your doorbell into an intercom. She can dim the lights.
That is, if (and this is a big if) you have the smart devices she can talk to. I looked for home security systems that sell smart locks, lights, thermostats, and more.
Pricing
I didn’t just look at how much a security system costs. I looked at how much it costs to use a security system with Alexa.
For example, you can self-monitor SimpliSafe with Alexa’s help for $9.99 per month (or less). But Frontpoint? Frontpoint’s Alexa-friendly plan costs five times as much. That’s one reason SimpliSafe is my top pick and Frontpoint comes in at No. 5.
Recap
Picture this: As you get ready for bed, you say, “Good night, Alexa.” Automatically, your lights turn off and your security system goes on standby. If anyone sneaks around your yard at night, the floodlights will blind them and your siren will go off. And your Alexa will keep you posted every step of the way.
That kind of seamless security is exactly what you can get from the right home security system paired with Alexa.
FYI: Lost Google Home user? We wrote a list for you too. Check out our favorite security systems for Google Home.
FAQ
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Which security system works with Alexa?
As you might expect, Ring Alarm works seamlessly with Alexa. But don’t count out ADT, SimpliSafe, Vivint, or Frontpoint.
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Can I use Alexa for home security?
Your Amazon Echo can perform basic security functions if you’re signed up for Alexa Emergency Assist.
Combining Alexa with a compatible home security system is where the magic happens. You can ask Alexa to arm your system, turn off sensors, and manage smart lights.
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What is Alexa Emergency Assist?
If you sign up for Alexa Emergency Assist, your smart speaker becomes a mini-security device. It will listen for your fire alarm and notify you if it’s going off. It also enables the “Alexa, call for help” command, which connects you to emergency services.
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Can Alexa be hacked?
It’s rare, but possible. Researchers have discovered numerous vulnerabilities in Alexa. A determined hacker could listen in on your conversations, gain your password, and more.
Amazon. (2024). Alexa Emergency Assist.
amazon.com/dp/B0BZSZBK3TU.S. Department of Justice. (2023). Amazon Agrees to Injunctive Relief and $25 Million Civil Penalty for Alleged Violations of Children’s Privacy Law Relating to Alexa.
justice.gov/opa/pr/amazon-agrees-injunctive-relief-and-25-million-civil-penalty-alleged-violations-childrensNational Public Radio (2024). From Amazon to Facebook and Google, here's how platforms can ‘decay'.
npr.org/2024/01/04/1222040458/amazon-google-facebook-twitter-social-media-onlineThe Verge. (2023). Amazon is placing free Alexa Guard security features behind a paywall.
theverge.com/2023/9/25/23888910/amazon-alexa-guard-security-features-paywall-emergency-assistRing. (2024). Flo by Moen 1-Inch Smart Water Shutoff.
ring.com/products/flo-moen-smart-water-shutoff-valve-1-inchTIME. (2019). Thousands of Amazon Workers Listen to Alexa Users’ Conversations.
time.com/5568815/amazon-workers-listen-to-alexa/Ars Technica. (2022). Attackers can force Amazon Echos to hack themselves with self-issued commands.
arstechnica.com/information-technology/2022/03/attackers-can-force-amazon-echos-to-hack-themselves-with-self-issued-commands/Amazon. (2024). Guard Dog.
amazon.com/Voice-Apps-LLC-Guard-Dog/dp/B06XC3D4KN