Over the last decade, home security systems have exploded in popularity. They’ve become much easier to use and they fully integrate with both desktop and mobile devices, so you can see your camera feeds from anywhere.
Systems like Ring have brought the prices down considerably as well, making the technology accessible for more consumers.
But with the excitement of a home security camera setup can also come security risks if they’re not set up with the proper security configurations. Hackers can tap into these systems and spy on your family, or worse, be able to talk to your kids through a 2-way voice system.
Ring urges 3,000 users to increase password security after reports of user logins being exposed online.
There was a story in the news just before Christmas 2019, where a family installed a Ring security camera in their children’s room for some peace of mind, only to find out that shortly after it was installed, a hacker was able to access it and harass their 8-year old daughter through the technology.
That’s the danger of improperly set up IoT devices. By adding another internet-connected device into your home you’re also adding another way that a hacker can get into your network.
Security cameras pose a unique risk because by hacking into one a criminal can see what’s going on inside or outside your home and access voice controls, which is a frightening prospect.
If you’re one of the increasing numbers of Lake Okeechobee and Florida residents that have or plan to get a smart security camera, read on for important tips to secure your system from hackers.
Steps to Increase Security of Smart Home Security Cameras
It’s often in the excitement of installing and trying out a new smart home security system that people forget about proper device security. Others may think that in this day and age, those types of devices should already be secure.
Here some critical tips for protecting your home security system (and other IoT devices) from hackers.
Change the Default Username & Password
It’s surprising how many consumers install their home security cameras and don’t change the default username and password that come with the device. Those are only meant to be temporary in order to allow you access to set the device up, and hackers have these default login lists circulating on the Dark Web and in chat rooms.
One of the very first things you should do during the setup process is to change the username/password and make sure you choose a strong password that’s difficult to hack.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication
Enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your login significantly reduces the chance that a hacker will be able to get in by compromising your password. It’s one of the security recommendations that Ring made in December 2019 when they announced that user logins may have been breached.
MFA adds a layer of security that’s usually in the form of a code that is sent to your phone via text message. That code must be entered after the login to gain access to the system. Because a hacker isn’t likely to have your phone in their possession, it keeps them out even if they’ve hacked your password.
Make Sure Your Network is Protected
Often hackers get into one device connected to a network and through that can access everything else. Make sure your router and other internet-connected devices have proper security and that none are using default usernames/passwords that came with the device.
Network security can include things like:
- Using WPA2 or WPA3 on your wireless router
- Using a firewall
- Turning off sharing settings
- Using a secondary Wi-Fi network for security cameras only
- Use of a virtual private network (VPN)
Keep Your Security Camera’s Firmware Updated
Just like software and operating systems get regular updates, including security patches, so do smart devices. These updates are called firmware updates, and you want to ensure they’re being installed regularly so that any found vulnerabilities in the software that the camera uses are being patched.
Be Careful of Buying Used Cameras
If you’re buying a used security camera there could be a backdoor password included that allows a hacker into your system without you even knowing. It’s best to purchase a new security system because you’ll be covered by any warranty or service guaranteed given by the manufacturer.
If you must buy a used one, it’s important to have it checked out thoroughly by a professional that can make sure there are no security vulnerabilities that you’re not aware of.
Get Help from a Professional
You can ensure that your home security camera is set up properly and secured thoroughly by trusting a professional to install them for you. Cris’s Tech Repair offers expert installation of any size system from 4 cameras and higher.
We can also teach you how to work your system and help you troubleshoot any issues with an existing home security system.
Make Sure Your Home Security System is Set up Securely!
Your family’s wellbeing is too big of a risk to take when it comes to security camera set up. Cris’s Tech Repair can ensure an expert and secure installation so you’re getting the peace of mind you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule a home security camera setup or security check house call. Call us at 561-985-4961 or reach us online.