Validation of an activation event of a device based on analyzing audio data is disclosed. The device detects an activation event, e.g., an input to a soft-touch button or a wake word detected by a microphone array. Responsive to detecting the activation event, the device captures, via a microphone array on the device, sound from a local area of the device. The device stores the captured sound as audio data in an audio buffer. The device performs a validation of the activation event by analyzing the captured sound. The device performs an action based on a result of the validation.