Google Nest Mini, Google Nest Audio, Google Nest Hub - after loosing Internet connection start AP

[xkunca03]

Hello,

this week I discovered what I think to be a security threat involving Google Nest devices. In the event of an internet outage, all devices will start broadcasting Wifi APs and anyone within range can set them up again. Isn't this a security issue? I imagine a scenario where an attacker causes an internet outage, connects to a Google Nest device within range, sets it to his account and connects to another wifi within range, I can imagine that a neighbor within range could do it this way. It's alright? Is there a way to block WiFi AP broadcasts in the event of an internet outage? Thank you.

[David_K]

This isn't considered a security issue, and there isn't a way to turn that functionality off. Any time the device loses connection to your Wifi network, it will broadcast that setup network again so you can easily connect it and fix the issue. In the extremely unlikely event what you described were to happen, given you need to be in close Wifi range of the device, it doesn't give the attacker access to any of your data. I can appreciate it would probably be annoying, however you would be able to reset it using the physical button on the device and then set it up again with your Wifi details.

[xkunca03]

And if the attacker makes a call from speaker, isn't there a security problem that he can listen to us? Doesn't that compromise privacy?

[David_K]

To make a call you have to issue a voice command to the speaker, so unless they have physical access to the device that won't work.

[Dan_A]

Hi folks,

@David_K, we really appreciate what you're doing for the Community.

@xkunca03, davidking is correct. To add on what he said, Nest speakers can only be active with Wi-Fi. Given that using your own account is a plus, a stranger cannot use your Nest devices to make a call unless they're physically near your speaker. Also, you can only make a call if you've registered your contacts to your account. 

I hope you've got the answer you're looking for. If you're still in need of any assistance, feel free to let us know.

Kind regards,

Dan

[xkunca03]

Or he can broadcast message to the speaker etc. I think it's not well done. The problem is that it doesn't just happen when the Wifi goes down, but when the internet connection goes down, so Wifi is connected but without internet access, which are two different things.

[Juni]

Hi there,

I just wanted to follow up to see if you still need our help. Please let us know as we would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
 

Thanks,

Juni

[Juni]

Hello there,

We haven’t heard back from you, so I'll be locking this thread in 24 hours. Feel free to create a new one if you have more questions or have other concerns in the future.

Best,

Juni