‎Disarm via Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa option | SimpliSafe Support Home
 
dczubacki's profile

Wednesday, February 2nd, 2022 4:42 PM

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Disarm via Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa option

So, i remember reading where SS doesn't allow for disarming of the system because of PIN security concerns.  How about making the option available to those who wish to use it and, if someone doesn't want to, then they don't have to.  I'd like to be able to tell the assistant in my car to arm the system while I'm driving without having to pull over in order to use the app on the phone.

Official Response

Community Admin

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5.7K Messages

2 years ago

Hi,

An update on this request. Even as today's digital assistants get better at voice recognition (with Google leading the charge), we feel that there is still too big of a security risk with allowing disarming by voice. There's still a chance that an unauthorized user could gain access and disarm your system without your permission. For now, this is NOT IN DEVELOPMENT.

(edited)

Community Admin

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5.7K Messages

3 years ago

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll relay it to our devs.

 

But yes, for now, we allow only arming via voice command (was well as the ability to check the status). With how voice assistants work right now, it would be possible for just anyone (even strangers) to disarm your system.

I do have a Google Home system myself, so I know that Google's Voice Match is pretty good. But it isn't yet viable as a method of authentication. We'd probably need that before we'd allow disarms by voice!

67 Messages

3 years ago

Thanks for the reply.  It's just that the ADT system that i came from had it and I used it without any problems.

But then again, if the user doesn't feel comfortable with voice disarming, then they don't have to link the account to Google / use the function.  While those of us that do feel comfortable with it..... well... link accounts and enjoy!  Google assistant asked that you provide a PIN in order to disarm the system so you had voice recognition AND a PIN in order to disarm the ADT system.

Doesn't hurt to ask right?

Cheers

P.S. Now back to the following the thread that everyone wants done, individual accounts in the app.

(edited)

2 Messages

4 months ago

It would be great to have the option to disarm from Google/Alexa so the customer could choose how they want to set it up.

My garge door opener uses a PIN to raise the garge door.....Just say Hey Google, Open my garage door. Google asks for the PIN.

Speak the PIN and the door opens.

Note: This comment was created from a merged conversation originally titled disarm with google home

Community Admin

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5.7K Messages

Hi @bassnchris ,

You're on the right track as to why unlocking is not available by voice command - it's the authentication piece. The option of speaking the PIN might be a security risk, because you don't know who might be listening nearby. But it's a good thing to bring to our devs anyway!

67 Messages

@davey_d​  - Your argument doesn't hold water. If you're in a public place, you disarm using the app and not Google assistant. Simple.

If I'm in a public place, I'm not using voice commands for anything to begin with.  If this was such a concern, why would your competition allow this functionality and many of your customers want it? I'm talking smart locks AND alarm systems allowing full Google assistant and Amazon Alexa integration.

I'm sure that Google and Alexa wouldn't allow for this functionality to exist if it indeed were such a great security risk. 

The above being said though, it seems as if new functionally requests are falling upon deaf ears.

67 Messages

Also Davey, using voice commands to disarm a system while at home or in the privacy of your own car is a security risk while being forced to share login credentials is NOT a security risk? It boggles the mind.

Community Admin

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5.7K Messages

@dczubacki to be clear, I'm not making an argument against your suggestion. I'm just offering an explanation to why disarming via voice command is not available as an option right now.

But as for our user accounts being set up for single-user login - to be fair, we do have multi-factor authentication, so even if your username/password was ever compromised, there would still be a second layer to prevent unauthorized access. But you're right, and multi-user login is already in the works. It will take some time, but it's coming.

67 Messages

@davey_d​ Thank you for the update about multi-user logins. 

Please understand that my frustration is not directed at you personally.  I'm just frustrated that ADT (my previous system which i left due to cost) is becoming more closely integrated with Google (and Matter) while SimpliSafe appears to be dragging it's heels. Smart Home integration is the future of security systems and Simplisafe will have "play nice" with this integration in order to stay competitive. 

Give the customer base what they want. Not that you have to succumb to every wish-list item but if a sizeable portion of the people in this forum are asking for the same thing, well ...... 

2 Messages

4 months ago

I've seen this requested before, but I want to add another vote in support of disarming simplisafe with voice commands.

I understand the perspective that it's a "security concern," but not every device is in a vulnerable location. For example let's say we have a Google home in a room in the third story of our house. Someone could know our PIN outside and shout it all day, but they'd never trigger the command. 

Additionally, this feature doesn't have to be enabled by default. Have it disabled by default but allow it to be enabled in settings. It should be available to those who want it knowing the risk. So if it's a security concern, make users have to acknowledge that it's a less secure option in a popup, etc. etc. If customers want the feature, withholding it seems not customer-focused.

Note: This comment was created from a merged conversation originally titled Disarm with Voice Command

Community Admin

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71 Messages

Hi @catherinewayres,

 

You are correct in that this feature is currently not availble due to security concerns. However, we appreciate your feedback and will always continue to pass along these requests to the development team!

67 Messages

4 months ago

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