Trying to connect to and talk to devices that don't understand, then turning things on and off manually. Updates that happen at bad times and can brick the devi

Trying to connect to and talk to devices that don't understand, then turning things on and off manually. Updates that happen at bad times and can brick the device. Companies, police, government agencies, and hackers snooping what goes on in my home. I don't use any "smart home" stuff except for a Nest thermostat.