Home security cameras, such as Ring doorbell cams, have become increasingly popular for their convenience and cost-effectiveness.
With cloud-based video streams, homeowners can easily monitor their home from anywhere. However, it’s important to remember that these devices can also pose a risk if proper precautions are not taken. Incidents of hacking and data breaches have been reported, leading to concerns about personal security. But with the right steps, you can keep your home security camera system secure.
Here’s what you need to know to set up a safe home security system.
Make Sure Your Router is Secure
You access an IP security camera via the internet. Any commands going to the system or footage coming from it go through your router. So, you need to make sure that your router is properly secured.
Hackers breach routers so they can get to the devices connected to that network. Ensure your router security protocol is no lower than WPA2. The next generation, WPA3, is even better. These protocols govern the protection of data transmitted through the wireless network.
Give the router a strong password that is at least 12 characters long. Software can crack a password of only 8 standard characters instantly. But a 12-character password with at least one upper case letter, number, and symbol takes 34,000 years.
Change the Default Username & Password
You also need a strong password for your security system’s admin account. You should also change the default device and username. Hackers have lists of all these device defaults and use them to break into these systems.
Changing the default username and password for the device should be one of the first things you do. Otherwise, it could be mere minutes after you connect to the internet that you’re hacked.
Ensure the System Uses SSL/TLS Or Other Encryption
You don’t want the footage from your cameras transmitted for anyone to grab and watch. Make sure the security system you choose notes SSL/TLS. Or another standard encryption.
This ensures that the data cannot be intercepted and accessed. SSL is short for Secure Sockets Layer, and TLS is short for Transport Layer Security. Without a form of encryption, a hacker can easily breach your device.
Keep the Software Updated
If your security system has an automatic update feature, turn that on. Unfortunately, many users don’t think about updating their device software. This leaves it more vulnerable to a hack.
Updates often include important security fixes for found vulnerabilities. You want to make sure updates install promptly. That’s why automating this is best.
Consider Access Levels for Multiple Users
Do you have several family members accessing your cloud-based security device? If so, set up some access levels. Not everyone needs to be at an administrator level.
Hackers love it when they can breach the login of an admin user for an account. This gives them more privileges, like changing settings. Giving lower-level privileges, such as “view only,” to most family members improves security.
Enable Camera Security Features
There will be various security features that are available with your system. Manufacturers often do not enable all security settings by default. The user must turn all or some of them on.
If you’re unsure of what settings should be on or off, we’ll be happy to help. Some home security systems have generous sharing options. This can be an invitation for hackers. You want to restrict these as much as possible.
Make Sure Your Mobile Device is Secure
Most people access their security cam through their smartphone. Make sure that you secure yours and keep it updated with the latest operating system. Hackers can gain access to a security system through a device with weak safeguards.
Add things like:
- Mobile anti-malware
- DNS filtering
- Screen lock
- Automated updating
Looking for Help Protecting Your Cloud Security System?
Give Abuzz Technologies a call and schedule a visit. We’ll be happy to help you ensure your security system is set up with best practices.
Abuzz Technologies
Managed IT Services and Support in and around Philadelphia
Phone: 215.600.0349
Email: support@abuzztech.com
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