I live in Alexandria, where the only choice for broadband is Xfinity (Comcast).  And, sure as heck, we lose connection about four times a week.  Total loss- phone, TV, internet.  Which certainly puts a crimp in a firm that operates 6 X 24.

But, that’s not truly the subject of today’s blog.  Nope.

Xfinity provides a wifi connection for each of its cable modems. With such a definitive name as “Xfinity”.  Anyone who has a Comcast account can use this wifi.  Which is exactly why every cable modem has this network.  (NOTE: We run our own wife with its own security- to keep inquiring minds from accessing our assets.) Because it means Comcast users can access the internet almost anywhere within the confines of the city of Alexandria.  That also explains the entire security Comcast provides- you must be a customer to access the network; not a customer- no access.  (Please note that many folks who live in Fairfax County have an “Alexandria” address- that does not mean they are within the confines of the city.)

Which leads one to recognize another ubiquitous network.  One that you probably didn’t know exists.  In each and every Amazon device- Echo smart speakers, Ring cameras, etc.   (Soon to be added- lost-item trackers [Tile] and smart locks [Level].) This network is known as “Sidewalk”.

Amazon has turned it on- for everyone.  And, that means you are now sharing your personal internet connection with everyone else.  The whole idea (from Amazon’s point of view) is that a low-bandwidth wireless network will be accessible (probably up to 2000 or so feet), letting all kinds of devices connect to Sidewalk.  Which includes police surveillance!  Of course, it will also let Amazon track (and broadcast) its delivery service!

Of course, Amazon claims this is a tremendous benefit, since now it is even easier to connect all sorts of (Amazon) devices to the net- even if they seem remote from your person wifi account.  Even if your personal device lost its connection to your wifi (it can now use your neighbors Sidewalk broadcast). Of course, the benefit to Amazon is they aren’t paying for connectivity- we (the users) are providing it to Amazon for free!  And, they plan to usurp some 500 MB of data from your network each and every month.

You should note that Sidewalk is not truly wifi- it uses Bluetooth connectivity.  Operating at 900 mHz, it can connect devices that are 2000 to 3000 feet away.  Now, you won’t be able to watch any movies over this network, because Amazon is throttling the speed to 80 kpbs, but it will still transmit photos pretty quickly.

Amazon has provided no data as to the security of this network. (OK.  Let’s correct that.  They CLAIM there are three layers of encryption to preclude folks from accessing the raw data over the network.)   But, you can bet that since you are letting Amazon devices on your network- anyone else now has access to your network.  And, you have no control over the data that you may be transmitting over Sidewalk.

Turn it off!

Which means (at least to me), it’s time for you (and me) to turn off Sidewalk.  To keep my data private.

How do you do that?  You need to open the Alexa app.

On Echo devices, you use the Alexa app on your smart phone and then navigate to “Settings”.   Choose “Account Settings” and then Amazon Sidewalk. Make sure that Enabled is now off.

On Ring devices, you use the Ring app on the smart phone and then click on the three bars at the top left to view the menu.  Now navigate to the Control center and the to Amazon Sidewalk. And, yes, make sure Enabled is now off.

Please note that you may have to check this setting every once in a while.  Since users have already claimed that Amazon occasionally overrides your choice.

Oh, yeah.  Once you do this, no-one can share your network- but neither can you access theirs.

A small price to pay for security.